Angel Reese has broken her silence on Atlanta Dream head coach Sandy Brondello's controversial comment, which led to Brondello receiving a one-game suspension from the WNBA. Brondello was heard calling Reese a "protected species" during the Atlanta Dream's game against the Toronto Tempo on Friday night, following a foul call that irked the coach.
"First, I appreciate Sandy’s apology but I also appreciate the love and support that I’ve had for the last 48 hours. It has been very overwhelming," Reese said Sunday in her first media availability since the incident. "A lot of love and also other things. I am grateful that the league did take action on the situation that happened. There is no place for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone — from fans to coaches to players. I’m just grateful we are able to move on from the situation and just play winning basketball."
Reese added that the WNBA is currently in a positive light and expressed her desire to continue that momentum. "The WNBA is supposed to be positive and we are going in a great light right now. So, I just want to continue that and move forward."
The incident occurred in the final moments of the game when Reese, playing for the Dream, was called for a shooting foul after a physical rebound against the Tempo's Nyara Sabally. Brondello's audible reaction to the call sparked the controversy.
Following the game, Brondello issued an apology to Reese, the league, and its fans on X. She was subsequently suspended by the WNBA for the "inappropriate comment." Brondello will miss the Tempo's game against the Las Vegas Aces on Monday night.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Brondello acknowledged her mistake. "I handle conflict immediately. I reached out after the game. I was trying to be proactive because I try to put myself in their situations, and I have been a player," she said. "I’ve been with these players and understand what it’s like for them, especially in this country. I made a mistake. I owned it, and I think that’s what you can do as a human being, isn’t it? We’re all going to make some mistakes from time to time. It’s what you do with it and I just know I have to be better."
Brondello, who previously coached in the WNBA before her current role, stated she needed to be more careful with her words, especially in emotional moments. "Be careful what you say because sometimes it’s you know, it’s an emotional thing. I mean, it was not meant to be taken as it was, but I feel sorry that it did…It’s a learning experience for me. I’ve been in this league for quite some time. Have had so many different experiences. This is a learning experience, this is not personal. I think Angel is an amazing player and an amazing person."
She also noted that the phrase she used is common in her native Australia but that she should have been more mindful of her location. "Australians we say all the time" and that she should have "realized where I am."
The Tempo and Dream are scheduled to play again on August 10.