After landing in hot water on a national level for comments made about Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese after last night's game, Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello was suspended by the WNBA on Saturday.
"Toronto Tempo Head Coach Sandy Brondello has been suspended without pay for one game for an inappropriate comment she made regarding Angel Reese of the ATlanta Dream during the Tempo's 111-92 loss to the Dream yesterday in Tortonto," the league said in a statement on the decision.
"Brondello will serve her suspension Monday when the Tempo host the Las Vegas Aces.
"The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league."
Brondello came under fire after being heard telling an official, "Angel, she's a protected species," during the game. That remark infuriated Reese and many others who publicly criticized Brondello and demanded she apologize and/or be punished.
Apology Not Accepted
Brondello did apologize for the remark. Taking to X she apologized to Reese and admitted to using a phrase that she shouldn't have used. She offered further apologies to Black women in the WNBA and the Black community at large.
"Angel, I'm sorry," Brondello wrote. "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. 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," she added. "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."
That apology may have gotten her some forgiveness from fans, but it clearly wasn't enough to keep the WNBA from punishing her.
The Tempo are in their first WNBA season and are currently 10-15 on the year.
