WNBA Coach Suspended for "Protected Species" Comment; Former Teammate Defends Remark

Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello faced a one-game suspension from the WNBA after making a controversial comment concerning Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese.

The remark, which occurred during the Tempo's 111-92 defeat to the Atlanta Dream on Friday evening, centered on Brondello's reaction to a foul called against Toronto's Nyara Sabally on Reese following an offensive rebound. As the officials reviewed the play, Brondello was heard exclaiming, "Angel, she's a protected species!"

Reese subsequently posted on X, stating, "ARE WE SURPRISED?!" The league then announced Brondello's immediate one-game suspension.

Player Defends Coach's Statement

Tempo center Temi Fagbenle voiced her support for Coach Brondello following the suspension, taking to her Threads account. Fagbenle, who previously played alongside Caitlin Clark during her tenure with the Indiana Fever, contended that the phrase "protected species" is a common idiom and did not warrant a suspension.

'Protected species' is a figure of speech and I see nothing suspension-worthy with what @brondellosandy said. ‘Species’ is the unfortunate and touchy word of this well-known phrase especially in the US’ racially charged climate, but if she was saying it about CC (an appropriate comparison re popularity) there would be no outrage, now would there. Suspension is laughable.

Fagbenle suggested that the term "species," particularly within the racially charged climate of the United States, contributed to the controversy. She hypothesized that if a similar comment had been directed at a player of comparable popularity, such as Caitlin Clark, the reaction might have been entirely different, branding the suspension as "laughable."

Coach Brondello Issues Apology

Following the incident and subsequent suspension, Coach Brondello released a public apology regarding her remarks.

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.

She further acknowledged the broader impact of her words, particularly on Black women in the league.

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.

Brondello clarified that her frustration was aimed at the officiating during the game, but conceded that her choice of words unfairly shifted attention to Reese. She expressed deep regret for any hurt caused to the community, emphasizing her respect for Reese as both an athlete and an individual, and extended her apologies to Reese, her teammates, and the Dream organization.