WNBA coach Sandy Brondello suspended for racist comment about Angel Reese
Consensus Summary
The WNBA suspended Australian coach Sandy Brondello for one game after she called Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese a 'protected species' during a game. The incident occurred during a Toronto Tempo loss to the Dream, with the score being 111-92. Brondello apologized on social media, and Reese accepted the apology, emphasizing that discrimination has no place in the league. The phrase, common in Australian sports to express frustration over officiating, was deemed inappropriate in the US context. Brondello, who has coached in the WNBA for 27 years, expressed regret for her words and acknowledged the impact of racism in the league. The ABC and Guardian agree on the core facts but differ on the specific day of the game, with ABC citing Saturday AEST and the Guardian citing Friday.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Sandy Brondello was suspended for one game by the WNBA for calling Angel Reese a 'protected species'
- The incident occurred during the Toronto Tempo's game against the Atlanta Dream, with the Dream winning 111-92
- Brondello apologized to Reese on social media after the game
- Angel Reese accepted Brondello’s apology and stated there is 'no place for discrimination or hate in this league'
- Brondello has been coaching in the WNBA for 27 years
- The phrase 'protected species' is used in Australian sports to express frustration over officiating but is considered derogatory in the US
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Brondello will miss Tuesday's AEST game against the Las Vegas Aces
- The game where the comment was made was on Saturday AEST, with the score being 111-92
- Brondello coaches both the Toronto Tempo and the Australian Opals
- Brondello’s comment was made during the Dream’s win over the Tempo on Friday
- Reese accepted the apology before the Dream played the Chicago Sky on Sunday
- Brondello mentioned she was emotional due to Nyara Sabally’s injury during the game
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The ABC states the game where the comment was made occurred on Saturday AEST, while the Guardian says it happened on Friday
- The ABC says Brondello will miss a game on Tuesday's AEST, but the Guardian does not mention this specific date for the missed game
Source Articles
Brondello suspended by WNBA for inappropriate comment
Australian coach Sandy Brondello apologises to WNBA star Angel Reese after she is suspended for one game by the league.
Angel Reese accepts Brondello’s apology after ‘protected species’ comment lands ban
Toronto coach made comment during Friday’s game Term common in Australia but could be seen as racist Angel Reese has accepted Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello’s apology for an inappropriate comment about the Atlanta Dream star. The WNBA suspended Brondello one game for being overheard calling Reese a “protected species” during the Dream’s win over the Tempo on Friday. Continue reading...
Reese accepts Brondello's apology over 'protected species' comment
Angel Reese says she is overwhelmed by the support and response after comments made by the Opals coach on the sidelines.