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Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello issued a public apology to Angel Reese on Saturday, June 18.
During a Friday night game against the Atlanta Dream, Tempo forward Nyara Sabally was guarding Reese as she drove to the basket. Reese made contact with Sabally, who immediately went to the floor in pain at the 3:16 mark of the fourth quarter, appearing to grab her midsection. Moments later, Brondello pleaded her case to the referees for a foul to be called on Reese.
"Angel, she's a protected species," Brondello said to the officials. "Oh, come on. You can agree. It's (expletive)."
Sabally remained down on the court for several minutes, surrounded by her teammates and Tempo staff. Nearby medical staff and a stretcher were brought to the court for the Toronto forward, but she was able to walk to the locker room with assistance. Though the play was reviewed for a possible upgrade to a hostile act, it was ruled a common foul.
"ARE WE SURPRISED?!" Reese tweeted with a clown face emoji and Brondello's X handle following the team's 111-92 win. On Saturday, Brondello issued a public apology to Reese on social media.
"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.
USA TODAY has reached out to the Tempo and Dream for comment.
More: WNBA power rankings: What's the biggest surprise of the season so far?
"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," Brondello added.
"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 joined the Tempo in the offseason after parting ways with the New York Liberty in 2025. The Australian native was named New York's head coach in 2022 and led the Liberty to a 107-53 overall record in four seasons at the helm, including a 32-8 record in 2024, when they won the franchise's first WNBA title.
Before her stint in New York, Brondello served as the head coach of the Phoenix Mercury from 2014 to 2021, where she led the franchise to its third WNBA championship in 2014. She also spent one season as the head coach of the San Antonio Silver Stars (now the Las Vegas Aces) in 2010 after serving as an assistant since 2005.
Brondello's coaching experience extends beyond the league. She has served as the head coach of the Australian women's national team since 2017 and led the Opals to a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tempo coach apologizes to Angel Reese for mid-game 'species' comment
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During a Friday night game against the Atlanta Dream, Tempo forward Nyara Sabally was guarding Reese as she drove to the basket. Reese made contact with Sabally, who immediately went to the floor in pain at the 3:16 mark of the fourth quarter, appearing to grab her midsection. Moments later, Brondello pleaded her case to the referees for a foul to be called on Reese.
"Angel, she's a protected species," Brondello said to the officials. "Oh, come on. You can agree. It's (expletive)."
Sabally remained down on the court for several minutes, surrounded by her teammates and Tempo staff. Nearby medical staff and a stretcher were brought to the court for the Toronto forward, but she was able to walk to the locker room with assistance. Though the play was reviewed for a possible upgrade to a hostile act, it was ruled a common foul.
"ARE WE SURPRISED?!" Reese tweeted with a clown face emoji and Brondello's X handle following the team's 111-92 win. On Saturday, Brondello issued a public apology to Reese on social media.
"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.
USA TODAY has reached out to the Tempo and Dream for comment.
More: WNBA power rankings: What's the biggest surprise of the season so far?
"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," Brondello added.
"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 joined the Tempo in the offseason after parting ways with the New York Liberty in 2025. The Australian native was named New York's head coach in 2022 and led the Liberty to a 107-53 overall record in four seasons at the helm, including a 32-8 record in 2024, when they won the franchise's first WNBA title.
Before her stint in New York, Brondello served as the head coach of the Phoenix Mercury from 2014 to 2021, where she led the franchise to its third WNBA championship in 2014. She also spent one season as the head coach of the San Antonio Silver Stars (now the Las Vegas Aces) in 2010 after serving as an assistant since 2005.
Brondello's coaching experience extends beyond the league. She has served as the head coach of the Australian women's national team since 2017 and led the Opals to a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tempo coach apologizes to Angel Reese for mid-game 'species' comment
Continue reading...
