Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has been handed a one-game suspension by the WNBA after making an inappropriate remark during Friday night’s matchup against the Atlanta Dream, a comment that was directed toward Angel Reese.
Event Context
Before the league confirmed the suspension, Brondello had already issued a public apology to Reese on Saturday, accepting responsibility for her choice of words.
Brondello is in her debut season as head coach of the expansion Toronto Tempo. She has been an WNBA head coach since 2014, winning WNBA championships with both the Phoenix Mercury and the New York Liberty.
Player Focus
The incident occurred during Atlanta’s 111-92 victory over Toronto. Television cameras captured Brondello reacting to officials after Nyara Sabally suffered an injury following contact with Reese.
Sabally was called for the foul while Brondello was heard using a phrase that appeared to describe Reese as a “protected species.”
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Reese responded on social media shortly after the game and posted, “ARE WE SURPRISED?! @SBrondello” followed by a clown face emoji.
In her statement, Brondello wrote, “Angel, I’m sorry. Last night, in the emotion of the moment after Nyara’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 also acknowledged that her comment had wider implications than she had intended. She admitted it had caused hurt, particularly to Black women in the league.
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“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 57-year-old elaborated.
Match Outlook
As a result of the disciplinary action, Brondello will be unavailable courtside for Toronto’s game against the Las Vegas Aces on Monday.
Announcing the suspension on Saturday, the league said: “The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league.”
