Sandy Brondello apologizes for calling Angel Reese a ‘protected species’ in latest WNBA controversy

Sandy Brondello is apologizing after facing the heat for a controversial comment she was caught making about Dream star Angel Reese.

During Atlanta’s 111-92 win over Brondello’s Tempo on Friday night, the Toronto head coach was heard calling Reese a “protected species” after the bench boss disagreed with a foul call.

On Saturday, Brondello, the former WNBA champion Liberty head coach, was apologetic.

“Angel, I’m sorry. Last night, in the emotion of the moment after [Nyara Sabally’s] injury, I used a phrase that I shouldn’t have used, and I take full responsibility for that. My frustration was with the officiating, but my words unfairly put the focus on you,” Brondello wrote on her X account.

In the final minutes of the game, Reese went up for a rebound and as she went up to the basket for a shot, knocked down Sabally with her shoulder.

Sabally, hurt on the play, went to the floor but picked up a shooting foul.

Brondello, while Sabally was on the floor in pain before exiting the game, could be heard ripping the officiating crew.

“Angel, she’s a protected species,” Brondello yelled.

Reese, after the game, shared a post on X about the comment and wrote: “ARE WE SURPRISED?!” and tagged Brondello’s account and added a clown emoji.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) talks with game official Tiara Cruse after a play against the Toronto Tempo during the second half at Coca-Cola Coliseum. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Brondello, in follow-up posts, said she regretted her word choice during the game.

“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 wrote. “I’ve spent my career competing with, coaching and learning from incredible Black women.”

The WNBA has been in the middle of a few notable incidents in recent weeks where players have said they have been at the center of racial comments.

Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello reacts to a play against the Atlanta Dream during the second half at Coca-Cola Coliseum. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas said she received hateful comments in the wake of a June game in which her fist hit Caitlin Clark’s neck while vying for a loose ball.

Hilton Grand Vacations also fired an employee this week who was accused of sending a racist message to the Aces’ Chelsea Gray.

The Tempo will play the Dream again on Aug. 10.