Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has been suspended for one game by the WNBA after making a remark about Atlanta Dream player Angel Reese.
During the Tempo's 111-92 loss to the Dream on Friday night, Brondello was heard on a microphone yelling "Angel, she's a protected species!" at referees as a foul was being reviewed on Reese. The comment came as Nyara Sabally of the Tempo was called for a foul on Reese after an offensive rebound.
Reese responded to the suspension on social media platform X, posting, "ARE WE SURPRIZED?!"
Temi Fagbenle, a center for the Toronto Tempo and former teammate of Caitlin Clark on the Indiana Fever, defended Brondello's remark on her Threads account. Fagbenle argued that "protected species" is a figure of speech and not suspension-worthy. She suggested that if the comment had been made about Clark, who is widely considered a popular figure in the league, there would not be similar outrage.
"'Species' is the unfortunate and touchy word of this well-known phrase especially in the US' racially charged climate, but if she was saying it about CC (an appropriate comparison re popularity) there would be no outrage, now would there," Fagbenle wrote. She added, "Suspension is laughable."
Brondello issued an apology for her statement, acknowledging the phrase's unintended impact.
"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," Brondello said in a statement. "My frustration was with the officiating, but my words unfairly put the focus on you."
She continued, "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. I regret that my words caused hurt to a community I respect so deeply."
Brondello also expressed respect for Reese as a player and a person, offering sincere apologies to Reese, her teammates, and the Dream organization. This incident highlights ongoing discussions regarding player conduct and league officiating.