Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has apologized for calling Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese a “protected species” during Friday’s WNBA game, saying her frustration was meant for the officials, not Reese.
TEMPO COACH APOLOGIZES FOR ‘PROTECTED SPECIES’ REMARK ON REESE
Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has apologized after referring to Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese as a “protected species” during Friday night’s WNBA game.
According to the New York Post, the remark came after Reese drew a foul in a play that left Tempo forward Nyara Sabally injured, with Brondello expressing frustration over the officiating.
In a statement posted on X, Brondello said she took full responsibility for her words, admitting the phrase was inappropriate and that her frustration was directed at officials, not Reese. She acknowledged the impact of her comment on Black women in the league, and apologized to Reese, her teammates and the Atlanta Dream organization. Reese had earlier reacted to the remark on social media.
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