Key Takeaways
- Angel Reese publicly thanked WNBA officials and Tempo coach Sandy Brondello after Brondello apologized for an “inappropriate comment” made during a game.
- The league suspended Brondello for one game for referring to Reese as a “protected species,” a phrase that carries derogatory connotations in the U.S. despite being common Australian sports slang.
- Brondello acknowledged the comment was unintentional, expressed regret, and committed to keeping her Australian idioms out of future interactions while emphasizing her respect for Reese and the league’s values.
- Reese highlighted the importance of using her platform to call out discriminatory language, stressing that speaking up drives change and prevents issues from being brushed aside.
- The incident underscores the WNBA’s zero‑tolerance stance on discrimination and the ongoing need for cultural awareness among international staff and players.
On Saturday, Angel Reese took to social media to express gratitude toward the WNBA and Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello after Brondello issued a public apology for a remark made during Friday night’s game against the Atlanta Dream. The comment, made while officials were attending to an injured Nyara Sabally, referred to Reese as a “protected species.” Though Brondello intended the phrase as a familiar Australian expression of frustration over perceived preferential treatment, the league deemed it inappropriate because, in the United States, language that likens a person to a non‑human entity has historically been used to demean Black individuals. The WNBA responded swiftly, suspending Brondello for one game—a sanction she will serve on Monday when the Tempo host the Las Vegas Aces—and reiterated its expectation that all personnel uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect.
Reese’s reaction combined appreciation for the league’s decisive action with a broader reflection on the support she has received since the incident. “First, I appreciate Sandy’s apology, but I also appreciate the love and support that I’ve had for the last 48 hours,” she said, noting the outpouring of both positive and negative feedback. She emphasized that the WNBA should remain a space free from discrimination or hate, regardless of whether the source is a fan, coach, or player. Reese voiced gratitude that the league had taken concrete steps, allowing the situation to move forward so the focus could return to competitive basketball.
In her apology, Brondello explained that she had reached out to Dream general manager Dan Padover after the game in an attempt to contact Reese directly. She described the comment as an emotional outburst made while concerned for Sabally’s repeated injury, insisting it was never meant as a personal attack. Brondello clarified that “protected species” is a colloquial phrase used in Australian sporting circles to vent frustration when a player appears to receive favorable calls. She acknowledged, however, that the phrase carries a different, harmful weight in the U.S. context, where it can be interpreted as a racial slur. “Unfortunately, I should have took a breath and realized where I am in America because I know racism is such a big issue here,” Brondello admitted, noting her 27‑year tenure in the league and the deep relationships she has built with Black players and staff. She pledged to be more mindful of her Australian idioms moving forward and expressed a sincere desire to speak with Reese personally to convey her remorse.
Reese, who will appear in her third WNBA All‑Star Game next week, has become a polarizing figure since her rookie season in 2024, frequently facing online vitriol. She used the moment to advocate for athletes to employ their platforms to challenge injustice. “It’s important for you to use your voice and advocate,” Reese stated, arguing that silence can be mistaken for acquiescence, while speaking out prompts accountability and change. She stressed that addressing problematic behavior head‑on prevents it from being dismissed as a minor infraction and fosters a culture where respect is non‑negotiable.
The episode highlights several broader themes within the WNBA. First, it illustrates the league’s commitment to enforcing conduct standards, as evidenced by the rapid suspension and public statement upholding professionalism. Second, it reveals the cultural pitfalls that can arise when international coaches and players bring idioms from their home environments into a diverse American league; what is benign in one context can be offensive in another. Third, Reese’s response underscores the power of athlete advocacy—using visibility to call out language that perpetuates stereotypes and to demand systemic change. Finally, the incident reinforces the notion that creating an inclusive environment requires ongoing education, empathy, and a willingness to listen, especially when misunderstandings cross cultural lines.
As the WNBA continues to grow in prominence, moments like this serve as reminders that progress is not automatic; it depends on individuals taking responsibility, leagues enforcing accountability, and players like Angel Reese using their voices to ensure the sport remains a welcoming arena for all.