Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has apologized to WNBA player Angel Reese after a comment made during a game led to accusations of racism. The incident occurred during Friday's game between the Atlanta Dream and the Toronto Tempo.
During the fourth quarter, after a collision between Reese and Tempo forward Nyara Sabally resulted in an injury to Sabally, Brondello was heard on a hot mic saying, "protected species." Reese, who was tagged in a social media post about the comment, responded by saying, "ARE WE SURPRISED?!" The phrase was interpreted by some as racial.
Brondello addressed the situation in a social media post on Saturday. "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 stated. "My frustration was with the officiating, but my words unfairly put the focus on you. 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."
Brondello further expressed her respect for Black women in the league and regretted causing hurt. "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. 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."
The commentary on the incident suggests that the phrase "protected species" is commonly used in sports to describe players who receive preferential treatment or are less likely to be called for fouls. Some media outlets have characterized the reaction as "fake outrage" and a predictable response within the WNBA. The WNBA has also faced scrutiny regarding its handling of talent like Caitlin Clark, with suggestions that officiating has been inconsistent, potentially alienating fans.