Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has been suspended for one game by the WNBA for an inappropriate comment made during a game against the Atlanta Dream on Friday. She will miss Monday's contest against the Las Vegas Aces.
League statement and suspension
The WNBA announced the suspension on Saturday, stating: “The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league.”
During the 111-92 loss to the Dream, a broadcast picked up Brondello addressing officials after Toronto player Nyara Sabally went down with an injury following contact with Angel Reese. Sabally was called for the foul, and Brondello could be heard referring to Reese as a “protected species.”
Brondello's apology
Brondello posted an apology on social media on Saturday, directly addressing Reese: “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.”
Reese reacted after the game on social media, posting: “ARE WE SURPRISED?!” and tagging Brondello’s account, followed by a clown face emoji.
Brondello continued in her apology: “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. I’ve spent my career competing with, coaching and learning from incredible Black women.”
Context of the phrase
Brondello, who is in her first season with the expansion Tempo, is Australian. The “protected species” phrase is commonly used in Australian sports to express frustration over a lack of calls against a player. However, in the United States, the phrase can imply that someone is not human and may be perceived as derogatory toward Black people.
Brondello added: “I regret that my words caused hurt to a community I respect so deeply. 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.”
Brondello's coaching career
Brondello has been a head coach in the WNBA since 2014, winning championships with the Phoenix Mercury and the New York Liberty. She is now in her first season leading the expansion Toronto Tempo.
