Angel Reese Calls Out Tempo's Sandy Brondello for Offensive 'Species' Comment, Receives Apology

WNBA star Angel Reese has always been unapologetically herself, so when she caught wind of a comment made by Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello during Friday night's game against the Atlanta Dream, she made sure to address it. The comment in question was Brondello's reference to Reese as a 'protected species' after the Dream's Nyara Sabally suffered an injury due to a collision with Reese. In essence, the term 'protected species' is often used in Australia, Brondello's home country, to describe individuals who receive preferential treatment, especially in sports.

The comment did not sit well with many people, and Reese, along with others, saw it as a derogatory term that offended the Black community. This sparked a heated conversation on social media, with many calling out Brondello for her words. Eventually, Reese posted a reaction on her social media account, tagging Brondello and adding a clown emoji in frustration, saying 'ARE WE SURPRISED?!' in all caps.

After facing backlash for her comment, Brondello apologized for her use of the term, admitting that it was an incorrect choice of words. In her statement, she acknowledged that her frustration was directed at the officiating, but her words unfairly focused on Reese. Brondello also expressed her regret for any hurt her words may have caused to the Black community, which she deeply respects, having spent her career competing with, coaching, and learning from them. In a heartfelt apology, she said, '“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.'

Furthermore, Brondello's statement went on to say, '“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.” She acknowledged the importance of using her platform to uplift and respect the Black community, rather than inadvertently causing harm. Ultimately, an unfortunate moment turned into a lesson, with Brondello's swift apology hopefully resolving the situation and fostering a more considerate dialogue among sports professionals and fans.

Angel Reese closed out a successful night on the court, contributing 23 points, a game-high 12 rebounds, two assists, and three steals to the Dream's 111-92 victory. The team continues its momentum as they prepare for a Sunday afternoon game against Reese's former team, the Chicago Sky, at 4:00 p.m. ET. Despite the controversy surrounding Brondello's words, both Reese and the Dream have shown remarkable resilience and character, setting a positive example moving forward.

The aftermath of Brondello's 'protected species' comment serves as a teaching moment for the sports community, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful language and its lasting impact. As we navigate this sensitive topic, it's crucial to remember that words can have a profound effect on the people and communities involved. Through Brondello's apology and Reese's steadfast response, we see an encouraging display of maturity and growth in the face of adversity, ultimately elevating the WNBA and its values of empathy, understanding, and inclusivity.