Caitlin Clark’s former teammate calls out WNBA for suspending Tempo head coach over ‘protected species’ remark
Toronto Tempo center Temi Fagbenle went to bat for Sandy Brondello on Saturday after the head coach was suspended for a “protected species” statement he made about Angel Reese.
The comment was made during the Tempo’s 111-92 loss to the Atlanta Dream on Friday night. Toronto’s Nyara Sabally called a foul on Reese after the 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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Golden State Valkyries center Temi Fagbenle locks up Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike during the first half at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Wash. (Steven Bisig/Imagn Images)
Reese asks X “ARE WE SURPRISED?!” He reacted by saying. The WNBA later imposed a one-game suspension.
Fagbenle reacted to the restraining order in a post on her Threads account, mentioning Caitlin Clark, her former teammate with the Indiana Fever.
“‘Protected species’ is a metaphor and I see nothing to suspend in what @brondellosandy said,” Fagbenle wrote. he wrote. “‘Species’ is the unfortunate and poignant word for this well-known phrase, especially in the racially charged climate of the US, but there wouldn’t be outrage if he said that about CC (an apt comparison of popularity), right?
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Toronto Tempo’s Temi Fagbenle shoots from the line in the second quarter against the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia on June 22, 2026. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
“The suspension is ridiculous.”
Brondello issued an apology over this remark.
“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 were unfairly focused on you,” he said.
“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.
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)
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“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.”
Fox News’ Jackson Thompson contributed to this report.
