League: WNBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Coaching

Sandy Brondello apologizes to Angel Reese for protected species remark

ESPN • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 18, 2026, 7:42 PM

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

Sandy Brondello apologizes to Angel Reese for protected species remark

Summary

Sandy Brondello, coach of the Toronto Tempo, apologized to Angel Reese after being overheard calling her a "protected species" during a game on July 18, 2026. The comment arose after a foul was not called on Reese, leading to frustration over officiating. Following the game's conclusion, Brondello issued a statement on Twitter asserting she regretted her choice of words and the adverse effect they had, especially on Black women in the league. Reese responded to the comment on social media, expressing her discontent. The Dream are set to face the Chicago Sky next.

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Key Details

•Brondello referred to Reese as a protected species during a game.
•The remark followed a non-call on a foul against Reese.
•Reese tweeted her reaction shortly after the incident.
•Brondello issued a public apology acknowledging her misstep.
•The Atlanta Dream will play the Chicago Sky next.

Latest Updates

12:14 AMESPN — Brondello suspended 1 game for Reese comment
11:06 PMYahoo Sports — Tempo coach Sandy Brondello suspended by WNBA for Angel Reese comment
8:43 PMESPN — Brondello regrets Reese comment, apologizes
7:21 PMYahoo Sports — WNBA coach apologizes to Angel Reese for calling her a ‘protected species’ during game

What they're saying

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Tempo coach Sandy Brondello apologized to Angel Reese after being heard referring to Reese with a phrase that sounded like "protected species" to officials during a game Friday.
— ESPNby Kareem Copeland

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The WNBA suspended Tempo coach Sandy Brondello one game after she was heard referring to Angel Reese as a "protected species."
— ESPNby Kareem Copeland