Sandy Brondello Is Sitting Out a Game for What She Said About Angel Reese, and She Blames It on Being New to How Racism Plays in America

Updated 2 weeks ago, August 14, 2026

Sandy Brondello got caught on a hot mic calling Angel Reese a “protected species” during Friday’s game. Now the Tempo coach is benched for a game and blaming the slip on being Australian, saying she forgot “where I am in America.”

The WNBA suspended Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello for one game after she was overheard calling Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese a “protected species” during Friday’s matchup on July 17.

Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello stands with arms crossed and mouth open, reacting to play during a WNBA game. — Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello, arms crossed, reacts from the sideline during a win over the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on May 17, 2026. Photo by Harry How / Getty Images.

Brondello, 57, serves the suspension Monday, July 20, when the Tempo host the Las Vegas Aces. Reese is 24.

Apologizing Sunday, Brondello, who is Australian, said the phrase is common in her home country and wasn’t aimed at Reese. “It’s a statement that’s very common in Australia, it wasn’t directed at Angel,” she told reporters. “I’d never do that to any kind of player. That’s not the kind of coach I am.”

She said the moment came while she was upset about an injured player. “Unfortunately, I should have took a breath and realized where I am in America because I know racism is such a big issue here,” Brondello said. “I’ve been in this league for 27 years and, obviously, I never had any issues like this because these are all my teammates and I’ve learnt so much from the Black players that I’ve coached and that I’ve had on staff.”

Brondello said she’s reached out to Reese’s organization and wants to apologize directly. “I know I’m not racist, so it’s a really unfortunate situation,” she said. “I felt mad at myself because I’m a part of the solution, not the problem.”

Reese responded before the Dream beat the Chicago Sky on Sunday. “First, I appreciate Sandy’s apology, but I also appreciate the love and support that I’ve had for the last 48 hours,” she said. “But I am grateful that the league did take action.”

Angel Reese wearing Atlanta Dream jersey number 5 and a white headband stands on the court during a game. — Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream on the court against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 18, 2026. Photo by Andy Lyons / Getty Images.

“There is no place for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone, from fans to coaches to players,” Reese added. “The WNBA is supposed to be positive and we are going in a great light right now, so I just want to continue that and move forward.”

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