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The WNBA suspended Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello without pay for one game for using the term “protected species” when referring to Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese.
During the Dream's 111-92 win over Toronto on Friday, Toronto's Nyara Sabally fouled Reese after an offensive rebound.
While the decision was being reviewed, Brondello yelled at the referees. Microphones caught her saying, “Angel, she's a protected species!”
ANGEL REESE DANGEROUSLY PRESENTS RACIST CONSPIRACY THEORY AFTER WNBA COACH CALLS HER TWO WORDS
Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello looks on against the Chicago Sky during the first half at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois on May 27, 2026. (Michael Reaves/Reuters)
The WNBA announced Saturday night that Brondello will now miss Tempo's next game against the Las Vegas Aces.
“The WNBA expects all coaches and team staff to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league,” the league's announcement said.
Brondello issued a written apology on 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/Image Images)
“Angel, I'm sorry. Last night, in the heat of the moment after Nyara's injury, I used a phrase I shouldn't have used, and I take full responsibility for it. My frustration was with the referee, but my words unfairly put the spotlight on you,” he wrote.
“I also understand that my words had an impact beyond what I intended, particularly for the Black women in our league, and I am deeply sorry,” she continued. “I have spent my career competing, training and learning from incredible black women.
“I am sorry that my words have caused harm to a community that I respect so deeply,” Brondello added. “I have a lot of respect for you 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 Tempo's Brittney Sykes defends Atlanta Dream's Angel Reese during the first half of a WNBA game in Toronto on June 14, 2026. (Sammy Kogan/Canadian Press)
After last night's game, Reese made a post on social media referencing Brondello's comment. Reese shared a post that appeared to interpret the comment as racially charged.
Brondello is from Australia, where the term “protected species” has been used in Australian sporting environments to express frustration at the lack of sanctions against a player.
