Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello received a one-game, unpaid suspension from the WNBA on Saturday after making what the league described as an “inappropriate comment” during Friday night’s game against the Atlanta Dream.
In a statement released Saturday, the league said, “The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league.”
The incident occurred during Atlanta’s 111-92 victory, when a broadcast microphone caught Brondello speaking to officials after Tempo player Nyara Sabally went down injured following contact with Angel Reese. Sabally was assessed the foul on the play, and Brondello could be heard appearing to say, “Angel, she’s a protected species.”
Reese took to social media following the game, posting “ARE WE SURPRISED?! @SBrondello” along with a clown face emoji.
Brondello hails from Australia, where the phrase “protected species” is commonly used in sports to express frustration over a perceived lack of fouls called against a particular player. However, in the United States, referring to a person as a “species” can carry derogatory connotations, particularly toward Black people.
On Saturday, Brondello posted a public apology to Reese on social media, expressing regret that her words “caused hurt to a community I respect so deeply.”
“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. “My frustration was with the officiating, but my words unfairly put the focus on you.”
She continued: “I also understand that my words carried an impact beyond what I intended, particularly for Black women in our league, and I’m deeply sorry for that. I’ve spent my career competing with, coaching and learning from incredible Black women.”
A two-time WNBA champion coach, Brondello is currently in her first season leading the Tempo. As a result of the suspension, she will not be on the sideline for Monday’s game against the Las Vegas Aces.
