WNBA suspends Tempo coach Sandy Brondello for ‘protected species’comment about Angel Reese

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The WNBA has suspended Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello without pay for one game for using the term “protected species” while referring to Atlanta Dream starAngel Reese.

During theDream’s 111-92 winover Toronto on Friday, Toronto’s Nyara Sabally fouled Reese after an offensive rebound.

As the call was being reviewed, Brondello yelled at the referees.Microphones picked her up saying, “Angel, she’s a protected species!”

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Sandy Brondello looks on during the first half against the Chicago Sky in Chicago.

Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello looks on against the Chicago Sky during the first half at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Ill., on May 27, 2026.(Michael Reaves/Reuters)

The WNBAannounced Saturday eveningthat Brondello will now miss the Tempo’s next game against the Las Vegas Aces.

“The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league,” the league’s announcement said.

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Brondello issued a written apology earlier on Saturday.

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Angel Reese celebrating a basket during a basketball game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese celebrates a basket in the second half against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on June 18, 2026.(Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images)

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“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 wrote.

“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,” she continued.“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,” Brondello added.“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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Toronto Tempo's Brittney Sykes defending against Atlanta Dream's Angel Reese during a basketball game in Toronto

Toronto Tempo’s Brittney Sykes defends Atlanta Dream’s Angel Reese during the first half of a WNBA game in Toronto on June 14, 2026.(Sammy Kogan/The Canadian Press)

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After last night’s game, Reese made a post onsocial mediareferencing Brondello’s comment.Reese shared a post that appeared to interpret the comment as racially charged.

Brondello is from Australia, where the term “protected species” has been used in Australian sports environments to express frustration over a lack of calls against a player.

Jackson’s reporting has been cited in federal government actions related to the enforcement of Title IX, and in legacy media outlets including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Associated Press and ESPN.com.

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