Angel Reese‘s weekend went from controversy to apology to injury. The Atlanta Dream forward thanked the WNBA for responding to her “protected species” comment from an opposing coach, then left that afternoon’s game with a leg injury.
The event started on Friday in Toronto, with the Dream defeating the Tempo 111-92. With 3:16 remaining in the fourth quarter, Reese and Toronto’s Nyara Sabally contested for a rebound, resulting in a foul on Sabally after contact with Reese.
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Tempo coach Sandy Brondello questioned the call, saying, “Angel, she’s a protected species!” as Sabally exited the game during a timeout.
Reese responded on X, tagging Brondello and asking, “ARE WE SURPRISED?!”
The WNBA suspended Brondello for one game after her comment. She apologized on social media and told reporters that the phrase was a typical Australian sports complaint about officiating.
“It’s a statement that’s very common in Australia, it wasn’t directed at Angel. I’d never do that to any kind of player,” Brondello said. “Unfortunately, I should have took a breath and realized where I am in America because I know racism is such a big issue here.”
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Since becoming Australia’s coach in 2017 and winning WNBA titles with Phoenix and New York, Brondello contacted Dream GM Dan Padover to reach Reese.
“I know I’m not racist, so it’s a really unfortunate situation,” Brondello said. “I did make a mistake and I’ll try and keep my Australianisms, I suppose, out. But it was never meant to be personal.”
Reese said the response was very positive.
“I appreciate Sandy’s apology, but I also appreciate the love and support that I’ve had for the last 48 hours,” Reese said. “There is no place for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone, from fans to coaches to players. And I’m just grateful that we are able to move on from the situation and just play winning basketball.”
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Brondello serves a suspension on Monday as Toronto hosts Las Vegas.
Reese’s day turned physical hours after talking to reporters. Her knee buckled while planting for a layup early in the fourth quarter against the Sky, causing her to go down twice before going to the bench. The Dream ruled her out, and the team won 93-91 without her.
Reese scored 8 points, 5 rebounds, a block, a steal, and an assist in 20 minutes, ending a five-game double-double streak as Atlanta heads into the All-Star break. She averages 15.7 points and 11.8 rebounds this season.
