WNBA suspends Toronto coach Sandy Brondello for one game after comment about Angel Reese

Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello was suspended for one game without pay after making an inappropriate remark about Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese during a match on July 17. The comment, "Angel, she's a protected species," was directed at referees after a foul call involving Tempo forward Nyara Sabally, who was injured while attempting a layup.

The league said the incident violated its standards of professionalism and respect. Officials reviewed the play and found no hostile act, and Sabally was able to leave the court with assistance.

Brondello later apologized on social media, acknowledging that her words unfairly focused on Reese and could impact Black women in the league. She expressed respect for Reese and the Dream organization and took responsibility for her remarks.

The suspension will be served in the Tempo’s next game on Monday against the Las Vegas Aces. The WNBA emphasized its expectation that coaches and personnel uphold the highest standards of conduct.

"Angel, I'm sorry. Last night, in the emotion of the moment after Nyara's injury, I used a phrase that I shouldn't have used, and I take full responsibility for that," Brondello wrote on X.

The incident follows previous tensions between the two teams, including a June 14 game in which a Tempo player was ejected after a confrontation involving Reese.