Sandy Brondello apologizes to Angel Reese after controversial remarks
Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Jul 19, 2026, 3:10 AM
Last updated Jul 19, 2026
Sandy Brondello, head coach of the Toronto Tempo, issued an apology to Angel Reese following a contentious incident during the Tempo's recent 111-92 loss to the Atlanta Dream. Brondello criticized the officiating, inferring that Reese received preferential treatment and referred to her as a "protected species." Following backlash, including Reese's response on social media, Brondello acknowledged her inappropriate remarks and apologized for their impact. The WNBA announced Brondello's suspension without pay for one game, set for her upcoming match against the Las Vegas Aces. This incident adds to ongoing issues within the league regarding treatment and representation of players.
- •Brondello apologized after criticizing officiating during the game.
- •Angel Reese reacted negatively on social media to Brondello's comments.
- •Reese is focused on advancing the Atlanta Dream in the standings.
- •Brondello suspended for one game due to her remarks.
- •The WNBA addresses ongoing player treatment concerns.
- 12:01 AMYahoo Sports — Angel Reese thanks Tempo’s Sandy Brondello, WNBA for response to coach’s offensive remark
- 8:21 PMYahoo Sports — Angel Reese breaks silence after Sandy Brondello’s suspension over controversial comment
- 2:15 PMYahoo Sports — Temi Fagbenle Brings Caitlin Clark Into Angel Reese ‘Protected Species’ Controversy While Defending Sandy Brondello
- 3:10 AMYahoo Sports — Dawn Staley Drops 3-Word Reaction to Sandy Brondello’s Heartfelt Apology to Angel Reese After ‘Protected Species’ Remark
"Angel Reese took time ahead of the Atlanta Dream’s 93-91 win over the Chicago Sky on Sunday to thank the WNBA and Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello for the steps taken after Brondello called Reese a “protected species” in the Dream’s win over the Tempo on Friday night. Brondello apologized Saturday morning, and the league subsequently suspended her without pay for what it deemed an “inappropriate comment” directed at Reese. “First, I appreciate Sandy’s apology, but I also appreciate the love a
"Toronto Tempo center Temi Fagbenle on Sunday condemned the WNBA’s decision to suspend head coach Sandy Brondello over comments she made about Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese. Brondello was suspended for one game after referring to Reese as a “protected species” while arguing a foul call with the officials during Toronto’s 111-92 loss to the Dream on Friday.
"WNBA star Angel Reese is focused on helping the Atlanta Dream move up the standings and potentially win a championship. A controversial moment ensued during the Dream’s recent win over the Toronto Tempo, as the Tempo’s head coach, Sandy Brondello, became frustrated with the officials and took a shot at Reese.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 20, 2026, 12:01 AMAngel Reese thanks Tempo’s Sandy Brondello, WNBA for response to coach’s offensive remark
Angel Reese took time ahead of the Atlanta Dream’s 93-91 win over the Chicago Sky on Sunday to thank the WNBA and Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello for the steps taken after Brondello called Reese a “protected species” in the Dream’s win over the Tempo on Friday night. Brondello apologized Saturday morning, and the league subsequently suspended her without pay for what it deemed an “inappropriate comment” directed at Reese. “First, I appreciate Sandy’s apology, but I also appreciate the love a
- Yahoo SportsJul 19, 2026, 8:21 PMAngel Reese breaks silence after Sandy Brondello’s suspension over controversial comment
Angel Reese responded to Sandy Brondello’s apology and one-game suspension with a clear message about discrimination in the WNBA.
- Yahoo SportsJul 19, 2026, 2:15 PMTemi Fagbenle Brings Caitlin Clark Into Angel Reese ‘Protected Species’ Controversy While Defending Sandy Brondello
Toronto Tempo center Temi Fagbenle on Sunday condemned the WNBA’s decision to suspend head coach Sandy Brondello over comments she made about Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese. Brondello was suspended for one game after referring to Reese as a “protected species” while arguing a foul call with the officials during Toronto’s 111-92 loss to the Dream on Friday.
- Yahoo SportsJul 19, 2026, 3:10 AMDawn Staley Drops 3-Word Reaction to Sandy Brondello’s Heartfelt Apology to Angel Reese After ‘Protected Species’ Remark
WNBA star Angel Reese is focused on helping the Atlanta Dream move up the standings and potentially win a championship. A controversial moment ensued during the Dream’s recent win over the Toronto Tempo, as the Tempo’s head coach, Sandy Brondello, became frustrated with the officials and took a shot at Reese.
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