Angel Reese has accepted Sandy Brondello’s apology following the WNBA coach’s offensive remarks about her on Saturday night.
The Atlanta Dream star addressed the incident Sunday, two days after Brondello was heard calling her a “protected species” during Toronto’s loss to Atlanta. The league suspended the Tempo coach for one game.
“I appreciate Sandy’s apology,” Reese said before Atlanta played the Chicago Sky. She also thanked supporters for the messages she received during what she described as an “overwhelming” 48 hours.
Angel Reese addressed the media after news of Sandy Brondello's suspension stemming from Friday's incident.
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The broadcast picked up the comment after Toronto’s Nyara Sabally went down with an injury following contact with Reese. Brondello, who was upset with the officiating, used the phrase while reacting from the sideline.
Reese responded after the game by writing, “ARE WE SURPRISED?!” on social media, adding a clown face emoji and tagging Brondello.
By Sunday, Reese said she wanted the conversation to lead somewhere constructive.
“There is no place for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone, from fans to coaches to players,” she said. “I’m just grateful that we are able to move on from the situation and just play winning basketball.”
Brondello apologized on social media and later said the expression is common in Australian sports. The first-year Tempo coach said the remark came during an emotional moment after Sabally was hurt.
“It wasn’t directed at Angel,” Brondello said. “I’d never do that to any kind of player.”
Reese said she hopes the league can now return its focus to basketball and continue to grow in “a great light.”
