WNBA Suspends Sandy Brondello 1 Game Over Angel Reese "Protected Species" Remark
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 19
WNBA Suspends Sandy Brondello 1 Game Over Angel Reese "Protected Species" Remark
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 19
Summary
One game without pay will sideline Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello after microphones caught her calling Angel Reese a "protected species" during Friday's 111-92 loss to Atlanta.
The remark came as officials reviewed a foul on Reese after an offensive rebound, with Brondello yelling in frustration following Nyara Sabally's injury and disputing what she saw as uneven officiating.
Brondello apologized directly to Reese, saying she took full responsibility and acknowledging the phrase carried harm beyond her intent, particularly for Black women in the league.
Angel Reese answered on X with "ARE WE SURPRISED?!" while Tempo center Temi Fagbenle defended Brondello, calling the suspension "laughable" and arguing the reaction would differ if the comment had been about Caitlin Clark.