Sandy Brondello suspended for calling Angel Reese ‘protected species’
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The WNBA suspended Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello for one game without pay for using the term “protected species” in reference to Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese.
During the Dream’s 111-92 win over Toronto on Friday, Toronto’s Nyara Sabally fouled Reese following an offensive rebound.
Brondello yelled at the referees as the call was reviewed. The microphones picked up on him saying “Angel, he’s a protected species!” He caught it by saying.
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Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello looks on during halftime against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena on May 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Michael Reaves/Reuters)
WNBA It was announced on Saturday evening Brondello will now miss Tempo’s next game against the Las Vegas Aces.
“The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league,” the league said in its announcement. The statement was included.
Brondello issued a written apology early 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 after Nyara’s injury, I used language I shouldn’t have used and I take full responsibility for that. My disappointment was with the referee, but my words unfairly put the focus on you,” he wrote.
“I also understand that my words had an impact beyond what I intended, especially on Black women in our league, and for that I am deeply sorry,” she continued. “I have spent my career racing, coaching and learning from incredible Black women.
“I regret that my words harmed a community that I have such deep respect for,” Brondello added. “I have great respect for you, both as a player and as a person, and I sincerely apologize to you, your teammates, and the Dream organization for my comment.”
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Toronto Pace Brittney Sykes defends Atlanta Dream’s Angel Reese during the first half of a WNBA game on June 14, 2026 in Toronto. (Sammy Kogan/Canadian Press)
After last night’s game, Reese posted on social media referencing Brondello’s comment. Reese shared a post calling the comment racist.
Brondello hails from Australia, where the term “protected species” is used in Australian sporting environments to express frustration at not being called out against a player.
