The WNBA has suspended Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello without pay for one game after she used the term "protected species" to refer to Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese. The incident occurred during the Dream's 111-92 victory over Toronto on Friday.
Microphones picked up Brondello yelling at referees during a review of a foul called on Toronto's Nyara Sabally against Reese. Brondello's comment, "Angel, she's a protected species!" was heard during the exchange.
The league announced Brondello's suspension on Saturday evening, stating that the "WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league."
Brondello issued a written apology earlier 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," she wrote. "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 concluded by expressing respect for Reese as a player and a person and apologized to her, her teammates, and the Dream organization.
Following the game, Reese posted on social media, appearing to interpret Brondello's comment as racially charged. Brondello, who is from Australia, has had the phrase "protected species" used in Australian sports contexts to express frustration over perceived inconsistent officiating against a particular player.
Separately, Sage Steele has commented on Caitlin Clark's frustration with officiating in the WNBA, criticizing the league for its handling of Clark and suggesting the league risks alienating its growing fanbase by not protecting its star players.