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The WNBA suspended Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello without pay for one game for using the term “protected species” when referring to Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese.
In the Dream’s 111-92 win over Toronto on Friday, Toronto’s Nyara Sabally fouled Reese after an offensive rebound.
As the call was being reviewed, Brondello yelled at the referees. The microphones picked up her saying, “Angel, this is a protected species!”
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Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello watches the Chicago Sky during the first half at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois on May 27, 2026. (Michael Reaves/Reuters)
The WNBA announced Saturday evening that Brondello will now miss Tempo’s next game against the Las Vegas Aces.
“The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league,” the league’s statement said.
Brondello issued a written apology earlier Saturday.
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Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese celebrates a basket in the second half against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 18, 2026. (Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images)
“Angel, I’m sorry. Last night, in the emotion of the moment following Nyara’s injury, I used a phrase I shouldn’t have used, and I take full responsibility for it. My frustration came from the officiating, but my words unfairly put the focus on you,” she wrote.
“I also understand that my words had an impact beyond what I intended, particularly for Black women in our league, and I am deeply sorry for that,” she continued. “I have spent my career competing, coaching and learning from incredible Black women.
“I regret that my words hurt a community that I respect so deeply,” Brondello added. “I have a lot of respect for you as a player and a person, and I sincerely apologize to you, your teammates and the Dream organization for my comment.”
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Toronto Tempo’s Brittney Sykes defends Atlanta Dream’s Angel Reese during the first half of a WNBA game in Toronto on June 14, 2026. (Sammy Kogan/The Canadian Press)
After last night’s game, Reese posted a message on social media referencing Brondello’s comment. Reese shared a post that seemed to interpret the comment as racist.
Brondello is from Australia, where the term “protected species” has been used in Australian sporting environments to express frustration at the lack of calls against a player.
