Courtesy: X
Angel Reese received a public apology today from Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello. The apology came a day after Brondello called her a protected species during Friday night’s game. That comment surfaced in the fourth quarter of Atlanta’s 111-92 win over Toronto, right after Reese fouled Tempo center Nyara Sabally.
Officials called a defensive foul on Sabally with 3:16 remaining. Sabally fell to the floor and required attention from Toronto’s medical staff. While staff attended to her, Brondello yelled at official Toni Patillo, calling Reese a protected species. Reese responded quickly. She reshared a post referencing the comment on X and tagged Brondello’s account directly with a pointed reaction.
How Reese’s night unfolded before the controversy
Reese continued an outstanding season Friday. She led Atlanta to the win with 23 points and 12 rebounds on 7-of-11 shooting. The performance marked her league-leading 17th double-double of the season and helped push Atlanta to 15-10. Naz Hillmon added a career-high 24 points, while Jordin Canada contributed 18 points and 13 assists alongside Reese’s strong showing.
This is Reese’s first season with Atlanta following a trade from Chicago. She is averaging career highs across the board, including 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Her production has helped push the Dream into a tie for first place in the Eastern Conference.
What Brondello said in her apology to Reese
Brondello posted a lengthy apology to Reese on X this morning. She said she used a phrase she should not have used in the emotion of the moment following Sabally’s injury. She took full responsibility for that choice. Her frustration was aimed at the officiating, not Reese, but she acknowledged her words unfairly shifted attention onto Reese instead.
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. My frustration was with the officiating, but my words unfairly put the focus on you.
— Sandy Brondello (@SBrondello) July 18, 2026
She also addressed the broader impact of her comment on Reese and others. Brondello said she understood it carried weight beyond what she intended, particularly for Black women in the league. She described her career spent competing with, coaching and learning from Black women. She expressed regret for causing hurt within a community she respects deeply and closed her statement by apologizing directly to Reese, her teammates and the Dream organization. As of the latest reports, Reese had not publicly responded to the apology itself.
Why this moment lands during a tense stretch for Reese and the league
Reese’s situation arrives amid a string of recent controversies involving player treatment across the WNBA. Las Vegas Aces center Chelsea Gray recently shared a screenshot of a racist message she received from a fan. The individual who sent that message was later fired from their job at Hilton Grand Vacations.
The players’ union has scheduled a meeting Tuesday with league leadership, including commissioner Cathy Engelbert, to address growing concerns about online harassment. The league’s Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee will also take part in that meeting. Reese and Atlanta close out the first half of their schedule at home against Reese’s former team, the Chicago Sky, before facing Toronto again on August 10.
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