💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.
We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.
It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese responded publicly to Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello’s recent comment, stating she was “grateful” the WNBA took disciplinary action. Reese emphasized that the league should have no tolerance for “discrimination or hate” among coaches, players or fans. Her remarks came ahead of the Dream’s matchup against the Chicago Sky on Sunday afternoon.
The incident originated Friday night when Reese and Tempo forward Nyara Sabally collided while competing for a rebound. After officials called a foul on Sabally, Brondello objected from the sideline, using the phrase “protected species” to describe what she viewed as preferential treatment from referees toward Reese.
Reese’s initial response on social media framed the comment as discriminatory language directed at a Black woman. She quoted a post characterizing the remark as problematic and responded with skepticism and a clown emoji. Her Sunday statement reinforced this interpretation without explicitly stating a racist motive.
Brondello apologized on social media the following morning, acknowledging her words carried unintended consequences for Black women in professional basketball. The Australian coach later explained to reporters that “protected species” is a common expression in her home country used to describe perceived favoritism from officials, unrelated to Reese’s race.
The Tempo coach reiterated her apology during a press conference Sunday, stating she had attempted to contact the Dream organization to speak directly with Reese. Brondello characterized her remark as a heat-of-the-moment reaction following Sabally’s injury and emphasized her 27-year career working alongside Black women in the league.
Reese did not acknowledge Brondello’s apology attempts or the contextual explanation regarding the Australian origins of the phrase. Instead, she thanked the WNBA for its suspension of Brondello and categorized the situation as an example of discrimination within professional sports.
More Stories
Packers Running Back Josh Jacobs Placed on Commissioner Exempt List Pending Misdemeanor Charges
Denver Broncos Linebacker Jonathon Cooper Placed on Commissioner’s Exempt List Amid Domestic Violence Charges
Rose Scores Spectacular Hole-in-One During Tour Championship Final Round