Several figures within the Women's Basketball Association (WNBA) have voiced support for Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello following her one-game suspension for remarks made about Angel Reese. Brondello was suspended after a courtside microphone picked up her referring to Reese as a "protected species" during a game.
Tempo center Temi Fagbenle publicly defended Brondello on social media, stating that "'Protected species' is a figure of speech and I see nothing suspension-worthy with what @brondellosandy said." Fagbenle suggested that the phrase's interpretation is heightened by the "racially charged climate" in the U.S., arguing that similar commentary about a white player like Caitlin Clark would not have generated the same outrage. She described the suspension as "laughable."
Fagbenle later elaborated on her stance, acknowledging the importance of addressing impact alongside intention. She noted that the phrase is commonly used and can apply to many top players, regardless of race. "What have we learned from this saga? Intention does not negate impact. The phrase SB used is a well-known figure of speech that can be used to describe many of the top players in this league, Black and white alike," Fagbenle wrote.
Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon also offered her support, emphasizing Brondello's character. "I just gave her a big hug when I saw her. I know that’s not where her heart is. I know her as a very, very high-quality person. She’ll bounce back," Hammon told reporters. "I know she’s resilient. It’s just unfortunate, everything that’s going on around the league. I’d like to get back to sports uniting people."
The incident occurred during the Tempo's loss to the Atlanta Dream on Friday night. Reese responded to the comment on social media with a post that included a clown emoji and the question, "ARE WE SURPRISED?! @sbrondello."
Brondello, whose native Australia has different cultural contexts for certain phrases, explained that her comment was not intended to target Reese. She acknowledged that the expression could be interpreted differently and stated she would avoid using it in the future. Brondello has since apologized to Reese.
Reese addressed the situation on Sunday, emphasizing that "there is no place for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone." She expressed gratitude that the focus could now return to basketball.