Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello received a one-game suspension from the WNBA following an inappropriate comment made during a recent game against the Atlanta Dream. The league announced the suspension on Saturday, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and respect within the organization.
The incident occurred during the Tempo’s 111-92 loss to the Dream on Friday. A broadcast captured Brondello’s remarks to officials after Tempo player Nyara Sabally sustained an injury following contact with Angel Reese. Despite the contact, Sabally was called for the foul. Brondello was heard referring to Reese as a “protected species.”
League Action and Coach’s Apology
The WNBA stated, “The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league.” As a result of the suspension, Brondello will not coach the team’s upcoming game against the Las Vegas Aces on Monday.
Following the incident, Brondello issued an apology on social media on Saturday. She addressed Reese directly, stating, “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.”
Reese responded to the comment on social media after the game, posting, “ARE WE SURPRISED?!” and tagging Brondello’s account, accompanied by a clown face emoji.
Brondello further acknowledged the broader impact of her words. She wrote, “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.”
She concluded her apology by expressing regret for causing hurt to a community she deeply respects. “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,” Brondello added.
Context of the Comment and Recent Incidents
Brondello, an Australian in her first season with the expansion Tempo, used a phrase common in Australian sports. In that context, “protected species” is used to convey frustration over a perceived lack of foul calls against a particular player. However, in the United States, the phrase can be interpreted as dehumanizing and potentially derogatory, especially towards Black individuals.
The incident involving Brondello and Reese is not isolated within the league. The WNBA has recently faced other situations involving racial comments. For example, Alyssa Thomas of the Mercury reportedly received hateful comments after a June game where she made contact with Caitlin Clark’s neck during a play for a loose ball.
Additionally, an employee of Hilton Grand Vacations was reportedly fired this week after being accused of sending a racist message to Chelsea Gray of the Aces. These events highlight ongoing discussions around conduct and respect within the league and its surrounding community.
Brondello has a long coaching history in the league, having been a head coach since 2014 and winning titles with both Phoenix and New York. Her suspension will commence with Monday’s game against the Las Vegas Aces.
Read Also
Source: aljazeera.com
