Toronto Tempo Head Coach Sandy Brondello Suspended 1 Game After Calling Angel Reese A “Protected Species”

Toronto Tempo Head Coach Sandy Brondello Suspended 1 Game After Calling Angel Reese A “Protected Species”

Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has been suspended without pay for one game after the WNBA determined that comments she made about Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese during Friday night’s matchup were inappropriate. The league announced the discipline on Saturday, just hours after Brondello publicly apologized for the remark.

The controversy began during the fourth quarter of Toronto’s 111-92 loss to Atlanta. After Tempo center Nyara Sabally was called for a defensive foul on Reese and went down with an injury, Brondello was heard directing frustration toward the officials, saying Reese was a “protected species.” The comment quickly sparked backlash online, with Reese responding on social media by reposting a clip of the moment and writing, “ARE WE SURPRISED?!” alongside a clown emoji.

Before the league announced its decision, Brondello issued a public apology addressed directly to Reese. She acknowledged that her words were inappropriate, accepted full responsibility, and explained that her frustration was aimed at the officiating—not Reese personally. Brondello also recognized the broader impact of her comment, noting that she understood why it was hurtful and reaffirming her respect for Reese and Black women throughout the WNBA.

In announcing the suspension, the WNBA said Brondello’s remark violated the league’s standards of professionalism and respect. She will serve the one-game suspension without pay before returning to the sidelines for Toronto. The incident adds to an already heated season filled with conversations surrounding player treatment, officiating, and respect across the league.