Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese is publicly thanking the WNBA for punishing Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello.
Brondello, who is from Australia, used a phrase that she "shouldn't have used" when discussing Reese, a third-year WNBA forward. After one of her players was called for a foul on Reese, Brondello appeared to refer to the Atlanta Dream star as a "protected species."
"Angel, I'm sorry," Brondello posted on social media. "Last night, in the emotion of the moment after Nyara's injury, I used a phrase that I shouldn't have used, and I take full responsibility for that. My frustration was with the officiating, but my words unfairly put the focus on you."
"I also understand that my words carried an impact beyond what I intended, particularly for Black women in our league, and I’m deeply sorry for that," Brondello continued. "I’ve spent my career competing with, coaching and learning from incredible Black women."
© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images.
The WNBA has since suspended the Toronto Tempo head coach for one game without pay for her comments.
Brondello has coached in Australia where it's common to refer to a player as a "protected species" if it's felt that they get beneficial calls.
Reese thanks WNBA for punishment ruling
Reese released a brief statement on Sunday.
"I’m sure everyone knows about the situation that happened last game and I’m going to address this one time," Reese said.
"First, I appreciate Sandy’s apology, but I also appreciate the love and support that I have had for the last 48 hours. It has been very overwhelming with a lot of love and also other things.
"But I am grateful that the league did take action... There is no place for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone, from fans to coaches to players.
"And I’m just grateful that we are able to move on from the situation and just play winning basketball. 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."
