The WNBA announced that Sandy Brondello, head coach of the Toronto Tempo, has been suspended without pay for one game after a comment about Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese was captured on microphones during Friday’s game. The league said Brondello will miss the Tempo’s next matchup against the Las Vegas Aces.
The suspension came after video and audio clips of an exchange on the court circulated online and prompted league review. The WNBA’s move emphasizes its standards for professional conduct by coaches and team staff.
What the WNBA announced about Sandy Brondello
The WNBA said Saturday that Brondello has been suspended without pay for one game. The league positioned the penalty as a response to language used by a member of the Tempo staff during a late-game sequence and confirmed she will not coach the Tempo against the Las Vegas Aces.
In its announcement the league said, “The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league.” The statement did not list further discipline beyond the one-game suspension at the time it was released.
How the remark happened
The exchange occurred late in Toronto’s loss to Atlanta. After an offensive rebound, Nyara Sabally of the Tempo was involved in a play that left Angel Reese of the Dream on the floor and under review by officials.
As officials assessed the play, microphones on the sideline picked up a remark from the Toronto bench. Brondello was heard saying, “Angel, she’s a protected species!” The clip quickly spread on social platforms, drawing scrutiny from fans, league officials and observers who called for a review of the comment and its context.
Brondello’s apology and reactions
Brondello issued a written apology the next day, saying, in part, “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.” She added that her frustration was directed at the officiating, not at the player, and acknowledged the broader impact of her words.
Her statement continued: “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. I regret that my words caused hurt to a community I respect so deeply.”
Angel Reese shared a post on social media referencing the incident; reporting noted the post appeared to interpret the remark as racially charged. That interpretation has been reported by news outlets and is included here as reported reaction rather than an established legal finding. The Atlanta Dream organization has not issued an extended public statement beyond acknowledging Reese’s post in coverage to date.
Context and background on the phrase
Brondello is Australian, and some reports have provided cultural context: in certain Australian sporting contexts the phrase “protected species” has been used informally to complain that a player is receiving favorable treatment from officials or is being shielded from calls. Reporters included this background to explain one possible cultural frame for the remark.
At the same time, multiple commentators and members of the WNBA community have cautioned that cultural explanations do not erase the real-world impact of language, especially in a league with a diverse player and fan base. Coverage emphasized that contextual notes should not substitute for accountability or sensitivity to how words land in different settings.
What comes next
The immediate, concrete impact is Brondello’s absence for one game, which will require the Tempo’s coaching staff to make short-term adjustments for the matchup with the Las Vegas Aces. The suspension signals the league’s willingness to discipline staff when conduct falls short of its stated standards.
Beyond the single-game penalty, possible follow-up could include internal club action, league-led education or sensitivity training, or additional review if new information emerges. The WNBA did not announce further steps when it released the suspension; any additional measures would be communicated by the league or the Tempo in future statements.
For fans and teams, the decision is a reminder of the league’s expectations: coaches and personnel are held to standards of professionalism and respect, and the WNBA has made clear it will act when comments are judged inconsistent with those standards.
Source and attribution
This report is based on the coverage and the league announcement reported by Fox News: Fox News — WNBA suspends Tempo coach Sandy Brondello for ‘protected species’ comment about Angel Reese, and on the WNBA’s official messaging about coach and personnel conduct. For the league’s general statements and policy context see the WNBA: wnba.com.
FAQ
Why was Sandy Brondello suspended?
Brondello was suspended after microphones captured her using the phrase “protected species” while referring to Angel Reese during a review. The league determined the comment violated expected standards of professionalism.
How long is the suspension and what game will she miss?
The suspension is for one game without pay. Brondello will miss the Tempo’s next matchup against the Las Vegas Aces.
Did Angel Reese or the Dream respond to the comment?
Angel Reese posted on social media in a manner that reporting said appeared to interpret the comment as racially charged. The Dream organization has not issued a detailed public response beyond coverage that noted Reese’s post.
For the original reporting and the WNBA’s statement on conduct, see Fox News and the league’s website linked above.
