Both Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese and Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello have spoken out after the WNBA suspended Brondello for her “protected species” comment. As Reese condemns discrimination and hate, Brondello continues to apologize for using the “common Australian phrase.”
As we previously shared, Brondello made the comment during Friday night’s game between the two teams. During the game, Toronto’s Nyara Sabally fouled Reese after an offensive rebound. As officials reviewed the call, Brondello yelled at the referees. The microphones ended up picking up on her also yelling, “Angel, she’s a protected species!” The game ended with the Dream beating the Tempo 111-92.
After Brondello’s viral comment, social media users accused her of being racist by “calling a Black woman a species.” Reese called Brondello a “clown.” In the comments, some users debated about the remark. While some called it racist, others said it was taken out of context.
Some said the phrase “protected species” is simply basketball slang and not an insult. Another argument claimed Brondello, who is an Australian native, used the phrase which is also an idiom in the culture.
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The following morning (Saturday, July 18), Brondello issued a public apology. Hours later, the WNBA announced it was suspending the coach for one game, without pay. She will serve her suspension Monday (July 20) when the Tempo host the Las Vegas Aces.
On Sunday morning (July 19), videos began circulating of both Reese and Brondello speaking in their respective locker rooms about the incident. Reese told reporters she would only address the incident once. She thanked Brondello for her apology as she continued to condemn discrimination and hate.
Meanwhile, Brondello continued to apologize while insisting she is not racist. She also noted that her comment is a “common Australian phrase” that she admittedly shouldn’t have used.
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