Sandy Brondello Apologizes for Calling Angel Reese a Protected Species

Brondello Apologizes After Game-Time Comment

Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello issued a formal apology on Saturday, July 18, 2026, following a controversial comment she directed toward Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese during a game the previous evening.

During the fourth quarter of the Atlanta Dream’s 111-92 victory over the Toronto Tempo, Tempo forward Nyara Sabally suffered a rib injury following contact with Reese. While Sabally was being attended to by medical staff on the court, Brondello was caught on a broadcast microphone confronting an official. Brondello was heard saying, Angel, she’s a protected species, while expressing frustration over the officiating of the play. The collision was reviewed for a potential hostile act but was ultimately ruled a common foul against Sabally.

Following the game, Reese posted on social media, writing, ARE WE SURPRISED?! @SBrondello accompanied by a clown face emoji.

The Context of the Controversy

The term protected species drew significant backlash on social media, with critics pointing to the history of derogatory language used against Black people in American culture. Brondello, who is from Australia, addressed the cultural disparity in her apology, noting that the phrase is commonly used in Australian sports to describe a player perceived to be receiving preferential treatment from officials.

In her statement posted to social media, Brondello acknowledged that her words carried unintended weight. 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, Brondello wrote. I've spent my career competing with, coaching and learning from incredible Black women.

Brondello added that she took full responsibility for the comment, stating, My frustration was with the officiating, but my words unfairly put the focus on you. She further apologized to Reese, her teammates, and the Dream organization.

Reactions and League Response

The incident generated widespread discussion regarding race and the treatment of players in the WNBA. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center issued a statement praising the direct nature of the apology, noting it was important to address the person most harmed while remaining inclusive of all Black women.

According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the matter is scheduled to be discussed during a meeting between players and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert next week. The league did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and the players’ union declined to provide a statement.

Brondello’s Coaching Background

Sandy Brondello is currently in her first season as the head coach of the Toronto Tempo, an expansion franchise. Her career in the WNBA began in 2010 when she served as the head coach for the San Antonio Silver Stars. Beyond her WNBA experience, Brondello has served as the head coach of the Australian national team since 2017, leading the team to a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Player and Team Status

The Friday night matchup was part of a competitive season for both teams:

Angel Reese, who is in her third WNBA season, has been named an All-Star for the third time. She is currently averaging 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.