The WNBA suspended the Toronto Tempo head coach for one game without pay on Saturday after she made an “inappropriate comment” about Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese.
The remark came during Toronto’s 111-92 home loss Friday. With 3:16 remaining, Tempo forward Nyara Sabally went down after being called for a foul as Reese attempted a layup. While Sabally remained on the court clutching her midsection, Brondello pleaded with referees to call a foul on Reese.
“Angel, she’s a protected species. Oh, come on. You can agree. It’s (expletive),” Brondello said.
What did Sandy Brondello just call Angel Reese bro?
— TimeoutSPORTS__ (@TimeoutSPORTS3) July 18, 2026
A ticking species?
Out of line pic.twitter.com/cq3xoxotIu
Officials reviewed the contact but ruled that no hostile act had occurred. Sabally left the court with assistance after a stretcher was brought out, though she did not return to the game.
Brondello later described the play as a “hard hit” and said Sabally “hurt her ribs.” Her sideline comment, captured on the broadcast, soon spread online.
When a social media user criticized the use of the word “species” in reference to a Black woman, Reese replied, “ARE WE SURPRISED?!” with a clown emoji.
ARE WE SURPRISED?! @SBrondello https://t.co/moNbYdDYo3
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) July 18, 2026
Brondello issued an apology Saturday, telling Reese, “I’m sorry,” and accepting “full responsibility.”
“I regret that my words caused hurt to a community I respect so deeply,” she wrote, adding that she respected Reese “as both a player and a person.”
Brondello will sit out Monday’s home game against the Las Vegas Aces.
