During Friday’s (July 17) game between the Toronto Tempo and Atlanta Dream, Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello was heard calling Dream star Angel Reese “a protected species.”
Brondello was frustrated over how Reese was being officiated during the Dream’s 111-92 win against the Tempo.
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On Saturday (July 18), Brondello apologized to Reese in a series of social media posts.
“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.
“I regret that my words caused hurt to a community I respect so deeply. I have a lot of respect for you as both a player and a person, and I sincerely apologize to you, your teammates, and the Dream organization for my comment.”
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Brondello’s comments came in the wake of Las Vegas Aces star Chelsea Gray receiving a racist message on social media from a hotel worker. Hilton Grand Vacations announced the firing of the person in a statement issued to multiple media outlets, one day after Gray posted a screenshot of a message to her on her Instagram account calling her a racial slur.
The WNBA said in a statement that it “stands with Chelsea and every member of our league.”
“We unequivocally condemn racism and all forms of hate,” the WNBA’s statement said. “There is no place for this behavior in sports or anywhere, and we remain committed to protecting the players and fostering an environment built on respect and inclusion.”
Reese is a polarizing player because she taunted Caitlin Clark in college. However, Brondello shouldn’t have called her “a protected species.” That’s crossing the line.
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In her first season with the Dream, Reese is averaging 15.7 points and 11.8 rebounds per game while shooting 43.4% from the field, 12.5% from beyond the arc and 73.6% from the free-throw line. The All-Star has 17 double-doubles.
Reese is on “Team Coop” for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, which will be in Chicago, Illinois, at the historic United Center. Reese spent the first two years of her WNBA career with the Chicago Sky.
