Sandy Brondello, head coach of the Toronto Tempo, was handed a one‑game suspension by the WNBA after a remark made during a match against the Atlanta Dream. The incident occurred in the final minutes of the game when Brondello, visibly frustrated by a series of officiating decisions, turned to Angel Reese and said, “Angel, she’s a protected species.”
The Language of Frustration
While Brondello maintains that the phrase is a colloquial expression used in Australia to vent irritation with referees, many in the United States interpreted it as a derogatory slight, particularly given Reese’s status as a high‑profile Black athlete. Reese responded on social media with a clown‑face emoji and the caption “ARE WE SURPRISED?! @SBrondello,” a reaction that quickly amplified the controversy.
In a subsequent apology, Brondello acknowledged that her words caused hurt to a community she deeply respects, especially Black women in the league. She clarified that her frustration was directed at the officiating crew, not at Reese personally, and reflected on a career spent collaborating with and learning from many Black women in basketball.
The suspension means Brondello will miss the Tempo’s upcoming clash with the Las Vegas Aces, a game that now carries added significance as the league continues to navigate issues of language, race, and accountability.