Angel Reese breaks silence after Sandy Brondello’s suspension over controversial comment

Angel Reese appreciated Sandy Brondello’s apology but made her position clear after the WNBA suspended the Toronto Tempo coach for one game. Angel Reese is ready to move forward following Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello’s controversial comment, but the Atlanta Dream star also delivered a firm message about what cannot be tolerated in the WNBA.

Reese addressed the situation Sunday, two days after Brondello was caught on a live broadcast referring to her as a “protected species” during Atlanta’s 111-92 victory over Toronto. The WNBA suspended Brondello for one game without pay after reviewing the incident. Brondello also issued a public apology to Reese, accepting responsibility for her choice of words and acknowledging the larger impact they carried.

Reese said she appreciated the apology and the league’s decision to take action.

“I appreciate Sandy’s apology, but I also appreciate the love and support that I’ve had for the last 48 hours,” Reese said. “It has been very overwhelming, a lot of love and also other things. But I am grateful that the league did take action.”

Angel Reese sends clear message after Sandy Brondello controversy

The incident occurred late in the fourth quarter after Tempo forward Nyara Sabally went down following contact with Reese. Sabally was called for a foul on the play, which was reviewed for a possible upgrade before officials determined it was a common foul. As Sabally received medical attention, Brondello directed her frustration toward the officiating crew and made the comment about Reese.

Reese initially responded on social media after the game, writing, “ARE WE SURPRISED?!” while tagging Brondello and adding a clown emoji. Brondello apologized the following day and said her frustration was with the officiating, not Reese. The Australian coach also acknowledged that her words carried an impact beyond what she intended, particularly for Black women.

Reese accepted that apology while stressing that discriminatory language has no place in the league.

“There is no place for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone, from fans to coaches to players,” Reese said. “And I’m just grateful that we are able to move on from the situation and just play winning basketball.”

Reese added that the WNBA is “going in a great light right now” and said she wants to continue moving forward.

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WNBA suspends Sandy Brondello for one game

The league announced that Brondello would be suspended without pay for making what it called an “inappropriate comment” regarding Reese.

“The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league,” the WNBA said.

Brondello will serve the suspension Monday when the Tempo host the Las Vegas Aces. She said Sunday that she immediately attempted to contact Reese and the Dream after Friday’s game. Brondello is in her first season leading Toronto after previous coaching stops with the Phoenix Mercury and New York Liberty. She won WNBA championships with both franchises and has coached Australia’s national team since 2017.

The Dream and Tempo are scheduled to meet again on Aug. 10.

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