In July 2026, Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello was criticized after a broadcast microphone picked up her referring to Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese as a “protected species” during a WNBA game. The comment came after Toronto player Nyara Sabally was injured on a play involving Reese and Sabally was called for a foul. Because Reese is a Black woman, and because the phrase could be heard in the United States as dehumanizing or racially loaded, the comment quickly drew criticism from viewers and sports media. Reese responded on X by tagging Brondello and writing, “ARE WE SURPRISED?!” with a clown emoji. The moment also unfolded against broader public discussion about racism, player treatment, and respect within the WNBA.
Brondello, who is Australian, later explained that “protected species” is a familiar phrase in Australian sports discourse, often used to suggest that a player receives favorable treatment from officials. Her apology emphasized that her frustration was directed at officiating, not at Reese personally, but she also acknowledged that the comment carried an impact beyond what she intended, particularly for Black women in the league. The WNBA suspended Brondello for one game without pay, stating that coaches and team personnel are expected to uphold standards of professionalism and respect. Reese later said she appreciated Brondello’s apology, but also appreciated that the league had taken action. Brondello also addressed reporters after the suspension, saying she had tried to reach Reese directly and would be more careful about using Australian expressions in the future.
In a follow-up statement to reporters after the WNBA announced her suspension, Brondello again apologized to Angel Reese, said she had attempted to contact Reese through the Atlanta Dream organization, and explained that the phrase was common in Australian sports but inappropriate in the U.S. context. The full quoted remarks are reported in The IX Sports source listed below.
