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Several people around the WNBA have come to the defense of Sandy Brondello since her one-game suspension for calling Angel Reese a “protected species.”
One of Brondello’s defenders is her center, Temi Fagbenle, who took to Threads on Saturday to respond to discourse on the incident.
“‘Protected species’ is a figure of speech and I see nothing suspension-worthy with what @brondellosandy said,” wrote Fagbenle, who was teammates with Caitlin Clark on the Fever in 2024. ‘Species’ is the unfortunate and touchy word of this well-known phrase especially in the US’ racially charged climate, but if she was saying it about CC (an appropriate comparison re popularity) there would be no outrage, now would there,” she said.
Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello reacts on the sideline during the game against the Atlanta Dream during the second half at State Farm Arena. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect“Suspension is laughable,” she concluded.
Fagbenle added further context to her comments a day later.
“This has created an opportunity for real, honest discourse, because conversations like this are one way we work through race relations in America,” the 2017 WNBA champion wrote. “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.”
Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon also came to Brondello’s defense.
“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 Monday. “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.”
Temi Fagbenle #14 of the Toronto Tempo dribbles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Mercury on June 27, 2026. NBAE via Getty ImagesBrondello’s comment was picked up on a mic in the Tempo’s 111-92 loss to the Atlanta Dream on Friday night.
Reese tweeted “ARE WE SURPRISED?! @sbrondello” postgame, adding a clown emoji.
Brondello explained that her words weren’t used to target Reese, and that the expression is commonly used in her native Australia.
Brondello also acknowledged the different interpretations and said she would refrain from using the expression again.
Brondello swiftly apologized to Reese for her words.
Reese addressed the incident Sunday.
“There is no place for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone,” Reese told reporters on Sunday.
She went on to say she was thankful things were moving forward and that the focus could turn back to basketball.
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