WNBA Coach Sandy Brondello Suspended for Racist Comment Toward Angel Reese, Issues Apology

Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has been suspended by the WNBA for one game after making an “inappropriate comment” about Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese. 

Brondello, 57, was overheard calling Reese, 24, a “protected species” during the Tempo’s game against the Dream on Friday, July 17. 

While issuing an apology on Sunday, July 19, Brondello, who is Australian, attempted to explain that the phrase is frequently used in Australian sports circles and she did not intend to be racist. 

“Have a ton of respect for her, but I wanted to make sure that [she knows] it was an emotional statement,” Brondello told reporters. “It’s a statement that’s very common in Australia, it wasn’t directed at Angel. I’d never do that to any kind of player. That’s not the kind of coach I am or player back in my day. It was just unfortunate. I was pretty emotional with [Tempo player] Nyara [Sybally], her being injured again. I made a comment that, Australians, we say all the time.”

She continued, “Unfortunately, I should have took a breath and realized where I am in America because I know racism is such a big issue here. I’ve been in this league for 27 years and, obviously, I never had any issues like this because these are all my teammates and I’ve learnt so much from the Black players that I’ve coached and that I’ve had on staff.”

Brondello will serve her suspension on Monday, July 20, when the Tempo host the Las Vegas Aces. 

“I know I’m not racist, so it’s a really unfortunate situation,” Brondello insisted. “So, I wanted to apologize whenever Angel is ready. I have reached out to their organization. Very sincere because I never want that to happen to anyone. It’s so much in this WNBA and I felt mad at myself because I’m a part of the solution, not the problem.”