Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has received a one-game suspension without pay from the WNBA. The league announced the suspension on Saturday, July 18, citing an “inappropriate comment” Brondello made regarding Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese. The WNBA emphasized that all coaches and team personnel are expected to maintain high standards of professionalism and respect within the league.
The incident occurred during the Tempo’s 111-92 loss to the Dream in Toronto on Friday. With 3:16 left in the fourth quarter, and the Dream leading 98-86, Tempo forward Nyara Sabally was called for a personal foul as Reese attempted a layup. Sabally fell to the ground in pain, clutching her midsection.
Incident Details and Immediate Aftermath
During the stoppage, Brondello was heard appealing to the referees for a foul on Reese, stating, “Angel, she’s a protected species. Oh, come on. You can agree. It’s (expletive).” This comment was made while Tempo players attended to Sabally. Officials reviewed the play but determined there was no hostile act. Although a stretcher was brought out, Sabally was able to walk to the locker room with assistance and did not return to the game.
Following the game, Brondello mentioned that Sabally “hurt her ribs” from a “hard hit.” The coach also expressed dissatisfaction with the officiating during her postgame press conference, noting that the Dream “were the aggressor. They were getting all the fouls, rightly or wrongly. We didn’t get many fouls at all.”
Brondello’s comments were broadcast on ION and quickly circulated on social media platform X. One user highlighted Brondello’s remark, writing, “Calling a Black woman a species…” Reese responded to this post on Friday evening with “ARE WE SURPRISED?!,” accompanied by a clown face emoji and Brondello’s X account.
Brondello’s Apology and League Response
The following day, Saturday, July 18, Brondello issued a public apology on X. 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.”
Brondello further acknowledged the broader impact of her words: “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 respects and extended her apologies to Reese, her teammates, and the Dream organization.
Hours after Brondello’s apology, the WNBA announced her one-game suspension for the “inappropriate comment.”
Previous Encounters and Coaching History
There is a history between the Dream and Tempo. In a previous game on June 14, the Dream defeated the Tempo 102-77. During that match, Tempo forward Isabelle Harrison received a flagrant-2 foul and was ejected for taking down Reese. Reese was seen being pulled back by teammates and appeared emotional after the play.
Brondello joined the Tempo after her departure from the New York Liberty. Before her time with the Liberty, Brondello was the head coach of the Phoenix Mercury from 2014 to 2021, where she guided the franchise to its third WNBA championship in 2014. She also spent a season as head coach of the San Antonio Silver Stars, now the Las Vegas Aces, in 2010, after serving as an assistant since 2005. Brondello has also served as the head coach of the Australian women’s national team.
The WNBA’s decision underscores the league’s commitment to maintaining professional conduct among its personnel.
Source: eu.usatoday.com