Sandy Brondello, the coach of the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo team, has apologized following Angel Reese reacting to her calling her a “protected species.”
RELATED: Web Users Are Droppin’ Mixed Reactions To Angel Reese’s Recent ‘Fit Check (PHOTOS)
Toronto Tempo Coach Apologizes After
On Saturday, July 18, Sandy Brondello took to X to share an apology directed toward Angel Reese. In accordance with USA Today, Brondello made headlines after her team, the Toronto Tempo, faced off against the Atlanta Dream on the evening of Friday, July 17. Nyara Sabally was reportedly guarding Reese when Reese pushed toward the basket and got here into contact with Sabally. Subsequently, Brondello pleaded for a foul to be called on Reese.
“Angel, she’s a protected species. Oh, come on. You may agree. It’s (expletive),” Brondello reportedly said the refs.
Angel Reese sends Sabally to the locker room in pain pic.twitter.com/jhDfvuoTxp
— Angel Reese Truth Teller (@Daxson_12) July 18, 2026
Ultimately, the play was reviewed and called a foul. But officials reportedly declined to upgrade it to a “hostile act.”
“Angel, I’m sorry. Last night, within 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 deal with you,” Brondello initially tweeted before adding. “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 profession competing with, coaching and learning from incredible Black women… I regret that my words caused hurt to a community I respect so deeply. I even have lots of respect for you as each a player and an individual, and I sincerely apologize to you, your teammates, and the Dream organization for my comment.”
Angel Reese Reacts To Her Calling Her A “Protected Species”
Hours earlier, on the evening of Friday, July 17, Reese had taken to X to share her reactions to Sandy Brondello’s words. Moreover, Reese reposted a message that read, “Calling a Black woman a species…”
Then, she added, “ARE WE SURPRISED?! @SBrondello 🤡”
Social Media Reacts To Toronto Tempo Coach Calling Angel Reese A “Protected Species”
Social media users reacted to Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello in TSR’s comment section.
Instagram user @anggdenise wrote, “Only headline I wanna see now should include the word ‘fired’ !!!”
While Instagram user @terenthial added, “What’s a protected species?????? Asking for myself”
Instagram user @boognextdoor_ wrote, “We is not going to accept anything, but termination.”
While Instagram user @peteralexeze added, “‘Protected species’ isn’t a racial term. It’s utilized in football on a regular basis. Smh.”
Instagram user @jfitts_official wrote, “Take her job . Only reasonable motion”
While Instagram user @lovelyyladyyt added, “Once they get ‘mad’ ’emotional’ their true feelings all the time come out…. Chileeeeeeeeeee”
Instagram user @iamanniebcosmo wrote, “Think before you speak 🗣️ -all that apologizing after you see the effect is played out ‼️”
While Instagram user @stanzzayvette added, “I’m over the Angel disrespect. Find something secure to do.”
Instagram user @beautifull.lala wrote, “wtf does that even mean??”
Meanwhile, former WNBA player Monique Currie added:
“Sandy is most definitely sincere in her apology. She’s a superb one.”
RELATED: Not Feelin’ It? Web Users Are Goin’ IN On Angel Reese’s Latest Game-Day ‘Fit Check (VIDEOS)
What Do You Think Roomies?