Friday night's game between the Atlanta Dream and Toronto Tempo took an ugly turn during the final minutes of the fourth quarter.
After Angel Reese drew a foul from Nyara Sabally with 3:16 remaining, Tempo coach Sandy Brondello could be heard yelling at the refs. She referred to Reese as a "protected species" during her sideline rant.
As you'd imagine, WNBA fans were disgusted by Brondello's comment. They found it to be unacceptable and downright insulting. Although the Tempo haven't disciplined Brondello at this time, fans are calling for her to be fired.
We're not kidding.
© John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images.
"If the Tempo don't fire Sandy with quickness and haste, it's a bad look," one fan declared.
"I need you the WNBA to investigate the Toronto Tempo, specifically their head coach Sandy Brondello," a second fan wrote on X.
"This is nasty ngl Sabally fouled Reese. Best believe if the refs could’ve upgraded it they would have. Sandy is nasty for this," a social media user added.
"The Tempo HC Sandy Brondello needs to be fired ASAP," another fan commented.
Sandy Brondello has already apologized for her comment.
On Saturday afternoon, Brondello issued an apology to Reese on the platform formerly known as Twitter.
"Angel, I'm sorry. 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," Brondello said. "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. I've spent my career competing with, coaching and learning from incredible Black women.
"I regret that my words caused hurt to a community I respect so deeply. I have a lot of respect for you as both a player and a person, and I sincerely apologize to you, your teammates, and the Dream organization for my comment."
We'll see if Reese, who referred to Brondello as a clown, accepts this apology.
