Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has received a one-game suspension from the WNBA following an inappropriate comment made during a game against the Atlanta Dream. The incident occurred on Friday, leading to the league’s announcement of the suspension on Saturday.
Brondello will miss Monday’s game against the Las Vegas Aces as a result of the disciplinary action. The league emphasized its commitment to professionalism, stating, “The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league.”
Incident Details and Apology
The comment in question was captured during the broadcast of the game, which saw the Tempo lose 111-92 to the Dream. Following an injury to Tempo player Nyara Sabally after contact with Dream player Angel Reese, Sabally was called for a foul. Brondello was heard addressing officials, referring to Reese as a “protected species.”
The phrase “protected species” is used in Australian sports to convey frustration over a perceived lack of fouls called against a particular player. However, in the United States, the phrase can be interpreted as suggesting someone is not human and may be seen as derogatory, particularly towards Black individuals.
Brondello, who is Australian and in her first season with the expansion Tempo, issued an apology on social media on Saturday. She stated, “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.” She clarified that her frustration was directed at the officiating, but acknowledged her words unfairly focused on Reese.
Reese responded to the incident on social media after the game, posting, “ARE WE SURPRISED?!” and tagging Brondello’s account, accompanied by a clown face emoji.
Brondello further addressed the impact of her words, saying, “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.” She added that she has spent her career working with and learning from 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.”
Player Performance and Team Standings
Reese has been performing well this season, continuing her strong play in Friday’s game. She finished second on her team with 23 points on 7-of-11 shooting, alongside 12 rebounds, three steals, and two assists. In her first season with the Dream after a trade from the Chicago Sky, Reese is averaging 15.7 points per game, 11.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.7 steals.
Reese, who has been named an All-Star for the third time in her WNBA career, has contributed to the Dream’s 15-10 start to the season. This record places them in a tie for first place in the Eastern Conference and fifth overall in the WNBA standings.
Conversely, Brondello’s Tempo, an expansion team in their inaugural WNBA season, fell to a 10-15 record after Friday’s loss. This places them fifth in the Eastern Conference and eleventh in the WNBA standings.
Coaching Background
Brondello has a notable coaching history in the league, having served as a head coach since 2014. During her career, she has led teams to championships with both Phoenix and New York. Her current role with the Toronto Tempo marks her first season with the new franchise.
The suspension underscores the WNBA’s commitment to maintaining a professional and respectful environment for all participants.
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Source: cp24.com
