Drama in the WNBA as Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello is hit with a one-game suspension for comments made about Atlanta Dream superstar Angel Reese.
The incident occurred during the Tempo’s 111-92 loss to the Dream on Friday.
Brondello snapped when officials ignored her pleas for a foul to be called on Reese, saying: “Angel, she’s a protected species. Oh, come on. You can agree.”
Reese took that to be a racially motivated comment from Brondello. She took to X after the game to reply to a tweet suggesting exactly that. She wrote: “ARE WE SURPRISED?! @SBrondello 🤡”
It was a statement the Australian coach maintains was not meant in the way the three-time All Star took it. Nevertheless, she will be suspended for one game without pay.
The league’s response was swift and measured.
They announced the ban with a statement, which read: “Toronto Tempo Head Coach Sandy Brondello has been suspended without pay for one game for an inappropriate comment she made regarding Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream during the Tempo’s 111-92 loss to the Dream yesterday in Toronto.
“Brondello will serve her suspension Monday when the Tempo host the Las Vegas Aces.
“The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league.”
Beofre the announcement, Brondello voiced her regret at how events unfolded with Reese.
Also taking to X, she wrote: “”Angel, I’m sorry. Last night, in the emotion of the moment after Nyara’s injury, I used a phrase that I shouldn’t have used, and I take full responsibility for that. My frustration was with the officiating, but my words unfairly put the focus on you.
“I also understand that my words carried an impact beyond what I intended, particularly for Black women in our league, and I’m deeply sorry for that. I’ve spent my career competing with, coaching and learning from incredible Black women.”
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