WNBA suspends Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello for "protected species" comment about Angel Reese
Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello received a one-game suspension after referring to Angel Reese as a "protected species" during a game, and later issued an apology.
Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello was suspended for one game by the WNBA after she said, "Angel, she's a protected species," while protesting a foul call involving Angel Reese during the Tempo's 111-92 loss to the Atlanta Dream. The remark was captured by arena microphones as officials reviewed the play.
Angel Reese responded on social media with a brief comment, prompting the league to act. In a statement, Brondello apologized, saying she used the phrase in the heat of the moment, that her frustration was directed at officiating, and that she regretted the impact of her words on Black women in the league.
Tempo center Temi Fagbenle defended Brondello on her Threads account, calling the suspension "laughable" and arguing that the phrase is a common figure of speech, though she acknowledged its sensitivity in the United States. Fagbenle also referenced former Indiana Fever teammate Caitlin Clark in her post.
The WNBA confirmed the one-game suspension and emphasized its commitment to maintaining respectful language among league personnel.