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Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese is breaking her silence on Sandy Brondello’s apology over comments that many perceived as racist.
A day before her statement, Reese called out Brondello, head coach of the Toronto Tempo, for calling her a “protected species” during their Friday, July 17th game.
Following backlash from Angel Reese supporters, the WNBA suspended Brondello for one game, which will be served tonight when the Tempo faces the Las Vegas Aces at 8 PM.
Angel Reese ‘Appreciates’ Sandy Brondello’s Apology Following Viral Comment
Moments before the Dream faced the Chicago Sky on Sunday, July 19, Reese addressed the media and expressed gratitude that Brondello took accountability for her words.
“First, I appreciate Sandy’s apology, but I also appreciate the love and support that I’ve had for the last 48 hours,” she said. “It has been very overwhelming with a lot of love and also other things. But I am grateful that the league did take action.”
“There is no place for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone — from fans to coaches to players. And I’m just grateful that we are able to move on from the situation and just play winning basketball,” she added.
Reese went on to say that the WNBA is supposed to be positive and celebrate excellence in women’s basketball, adding, “I just want to continue that and move forward.”
Angel Reese Called Brondello Out On X For Calling Her A ‘Protected Species’
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Before her statements, Reese called Brondello out on X after a clip of the former New York Liberty head coach calling Reese a “protected species” went viral.
The WNBA suspended Brondello for a game “for an inappropriate comment she made regarding Angel Reese.” Elsewhere in their statement, the league said it “expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect.”
Brondello apologized on X, writing, “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 Said Her Comment Is Part Of Australian Culture
Brondello spoke with the media on Saturday and further expressed her disappointment with how things played out.
“Have a ton of respect for her, but I wanted to make sure that [she knows] it was an emotional statement,” Brondello said.
Brondello then said that her statement is a common phrase in her hometown of Australia and regretted that it impacted Reese the way it did.
“It’s a statement that’s very common in Australia; it wasn’t directed at Angel. I’d never do that to any kind of player. That’s not the kind of coach I am or player back in my day. It was just unfortunate. I was pretty emotional… I made a comment that, Australians, we say all the time,” she added.
Brondello Wants To Connect With Angel Reese Following The Mishap
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Regarding claims of racism, Brondello said that she knows she’s “not racist,” so she’s hoping to connect with Reese as soon as the LSU alum is ready so that she can offer another apology in person.
“I have reached out to their organization. Very sincere because I never want that to happen to anyone. It’s so much in this WNBA, and I felt mad at myself because I’m a part of the solution, not the problem,” Brondello continued.
Reese Will Continue To Use Her Voice To Speak Up
Reese is known for being outspoken both on and off the court, often using her platform to advocate for causes she believes in. After speaking out against Brondello, she said she plans to continue using her voice to stand up for herself and others.
“It’s important for you to use your voice and advocate,” Reese said. “Sometimes when you don’t use your voice, people think that you don’t matter and you can just slap-on-the-wrist with things. But when you do speak out on things, address things head-on, I think it’s important to have change. And if you want change, you have to speak on it. You don’t let things just slide.”
The Angel Reese ‘Appreciates’ Sandy Brondello’s Apology Following ‘Protected Species’ Comment first appeared on The Blast
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