Dream All-Star Angel Reese responds to Toronto coach’s controversial comments

COLLEGE PARK — Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello is at the center of a controversy, following comments she made referring to Dream All-Star Angel Reese.

The incident happened during Friday’s game between the Tempo and Dream on Friday in Toronto. A hot mic caught Brondello referring to Reese as “a protected species,” which ignited social media.

Reese posted on social media following the game: “Are we surprised?” and tagged Brondello.

Brondello posted an apology Saturday on X (formerly Twitter):

“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,” Brondello wrote. “My frustration was with the officiating, but my words unfairly put the focus on you.

“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. I have a lot of respect for you as both a player and a person, and I sincerely apologize to you, your teammates, and the Dream organization for my comment.”

The WNBA issued Brondello a one-game suspension without pay “for an inappropriate comment she made regarding Angel Reese ...”

Reese addressed the situation before Sunday’s home game against the Chicago Sky.

“First, I appreciate Sandy’s apology, but I also appreciate the love and support I have had for the last 48 hours. It has been very overwhelming, with a lot of love and also other things,” Reese said. “I am grateful that the league did take action on the situation that happened. There’s no place for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone — from fans to coaches to players.

“I’m just grateful that we’re able to move on from this situation and just play winning basketball. The WNBA is supposed to be positive and we are going in a great (way) right now, so I just want to continue that and move forward.”

Brondello is a veteran WNBA coach, having spent eight seasons with the Mercury and four with the Liberty.

Reese, who has been outspoken in her time in the WNBA, addressed the importance of speaking out on larger social issues, and noted that she wasn’t going to be silent or back down on this issue.

“I think it’s important to be unapologetically you, and a lot of people who don’t necessarily have a voice, and don’t necessarily have a platform, I know I’m speaking for those people,” Reese said. “I speak for a community that believes in the bigger picture of things. I know (for) the generation before and the generation after, it’s going to be important to know you do have a voice.