Overview
- A broadcast hot mic picked up Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello calling Angel Reese a “protected species” after a fourth-quarter play in which Tempo forward Nyara Sabally was whistled for a foul and appeared injured.
- Angel Reese reacted on social media by reposting criticism of the comment and writing “ARE WE SURPRISED?!” with a clown emoji, amplifying public backlash to the remark.
- Brondello posted a public apology on X saying she used language she “shouldn't have used,” took responsibility, and acknowledged the impact her words had on Black women in the league.
- The WNBA announced a one-game suspension without pay for Brondello that she will serve when the Tempo face the Las Vegas Aces, and the league said the action reflects its conduct expectations for coaches.
- The phrase is commonly used in Australian sports to mean a player gets favorable officiating, but it carries offensive racial connotations in U.S. discourse, and the incident will be included in upcoming player–league discussions about harassment and player safety.