Angel Reese dangerously peddles racist conspiracy theory after WNBA coach calls her two words
Riley Gaines: Caitlin Clark’s harassment was rooted in jealousy, not race or sexuality
Riley Gaines addresses the controversy surrounding WNBA star Caitlin Clark, arguing that concerns about Clark stem from her extraordinary talent, not her race or sexuality. Gaines argues that other players’ jealousy fuels on-field abuse and the ‘self-imploding’ nature of the league. He questions the double standards applied to different athletes.
The night Caitlin Clark walked out on the field, Angel Reese walked off the field.
Is the WNBA a content machine or what?! Give credit where it’s due, this league will not be let go. Summer time is their time and they don’t let it go to waste.
Let’s dive in.
Reese and the Atlanta Dream defeated the Toronto Tempo 111-92 on Friday night. Reese finished the game with 23 points on 7 of 11 shooting and 12 rebounds. She was a dominant woman. I’m not here to disparage Reese’s on-field play because it was excellent.
Statistics don’t lie. As they say, numbers are numbers. Well done Angel.
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese speaks with game official Tiara Cruse following the game against the Toronto Tempo in the second half of the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, Ontario. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images (John E. Sokolowski/Imagn Images)
Now, it didn’t come without controversy. You Always Controversy is needed in the WNBA, and it often has to do with racism. This is the most talked about word right now.
Reese and Tempo forward Nyara Sabally collided late in the game, Sabally suffered a rib injury but was eventually called for a shooting foul. Eventually he had to be helped off the field.
While he was still on the ground, Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello arrived to explain his situation to officials, and a hot microphone recorded part of the conversation.
That’s when Brondello called Reese a “protected species” and sent the WNBA world into a frenzy because, of course, she was deemed a racist.
Have a listen:
Angel Reese pushes narrative out of context
A fan posted on X, “Calling a black woman a type…” and Reese replied, “ARE WE SURPRISED?!” he replied. she also tags Brondello in the post.
Just in time! It’s a story as old as time.
Here’s the thing: This wasn’t a racist comment. Come on. Context, as always, is important in these matters. These are usually times when common sense prevails.
Sandy Brondello is Australian. A quick Google search would show that the term “protected species” is slang for someone who gets preferential treatment there. Meanwhile, fans were quick to point this out on social media. But it fell on deaf ears.
Frankly, there was no need to even search on Google to understand this.
“Protected species” is a sports term that gets thrown around forever. It’s used all the time in the NFL, especially on quarterbacks.
Patrick Mahomes is a protected species. This is a running joke throughout the NFL season as defenders are seemingly flagged when they breathe on him.
Tom Brady was a protected species.
What LeBron James spends decades I’m getting calls about the Hall of Fame failing. It is a protected species.
In baseball, experienced hitters and pitchers routinely receive calls that other players do not. Experienced players can be considered a protected species. There’s a reason why Justin Verlander is sought after at corner when a rookie doesn’t show up.
In college football, you could argue that the entire state of Alabama was a protected species during the Nick Saban years.
Again, this is not a new term. This is not a racist term. It’s a sports term that’s been around forever.
Atlanta Dream’s Angel Reese looks on before the WNBA game against the Toronto Tempo at the Coca-Cola Coliseum on July 17, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. (Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
Problem? Angel Reese is black and has selective hearing on the internet. Someone posted that she was called a “type,” and then Reese started selling the narrative by reposting with a sarcastic comment and a clown emoji.
This is ridiculous. This is disingenuous. Frankly, it’s dangerous.
Earlier this week, a fan was fired from his job for allegedly using a racial slur against WNBA player Chelsea Gray after a game. He posted it online, it went viral, and eventually the man’s job fired him.
That’s fair. If you’re going to play stupid games, you’ll win stupid prizes. The proof was in the pudding.
Atlanta Dream’s Angel Reese reacts after hitting a 3-pointer in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Sparks at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Ga., on July 13, 2026. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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But this? This isn’t a story where Angel Reese chose to bring the story to life by relaying it to her 740,000 followers.
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Now, nobody talking about his great play on the field. Instead just “RACISM!” they shout.
Par for the WNBA course.
