Photo credit: Angel Reese (Youtube)
Angel Reese has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello’s “protected species” remark during a recent WNBA game.
Speaking before the Atlanta Dream’s 93-91 victory over the Chicago Sky on Sunday, Reese thanked both the WNBA and Brondello for their responses following the incident. The league suspended Brondello without pay after determining her comment was inappropriate.
Reese Appreciates League Action
Reese said she appreciated Brondello’s apology and the support she received over the past several days.
She also praised the WNBA for taking action and emphasized that discrimination and hate have no place in the league.
According to Reese, the focus should remain on creating a positive environment for players, coaches and fans.
What Happened During the Game?
The controversy began during Friday night’s game between the Atlanta Dream and Toronto Tempo.
Tempo forward Nyara Sabally suffered an injury while defending Reese in the fourth quarter. As Sabally received medical attention on the court, Brondello yelled toward an official and referred to Reese as a “protected species.”
The comment quickly sparked criticism online after Reese shared a post about the incident on social media.
Brondello Issues Public Apology
Brondello apologized publicly on social media and later explained that the phrase is commonly used in Australian sports to describe players who receive favorable treatment from officials.
The veteran coach said the remark was never intended as a personal attack on Reese.
She added that she regretted the comment and acknowledged the importance of understanding how certain phrases may be perceived in different cultural contexts.
WNBA Suspends Toronto Coach
The WNBA responded by suspending Brondello without pay for one game.
The league described the comment as inappropriate and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a respectful environment across the sport.
Brondello will serve the suspension when the Toronto Tempo face the Las Vegas Aces.
Reese Focused on Moving Forward
Despite the controversy, Reese said she wants to move forward and continue focusing on basketball.
The star forward stressed the importance of positivity within the league and expressed gratitude for the support she received from teammates, fans and league officials.
Reese finished Sunday’s game with eight points and five rebounds before leaving in the third quarter because of a left leg injury.
Source: The Athletic
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