Sandy Brondello Issues Apology Over Comments About Angel Reese
Sandy Brondello has found herself apologizing after making some controversial remarks regarding Dream star Angel Reese.
During a recent game where Atlanta triumphed over the Brondellos’ team 111-92, the head coach of Toronto was overheard referring to Reese as a “protected species” while contesting a foul call.
The following day, Brondello, who has a championship background with the Liberty, expressed her regrets.
“Angel, I’m sorry. Last night, in the heat of the moment,” she shared on her X account. “When Nyara Sabally got hurt, I used a word I shouldn’t have. I fully own that. My frustration was aimed at the referee, but my words unfairly directed focus on you.”
In the game’s waning moments, Reese attempted a rebound but inadvertently knocked Sabally down just as she went for a shot.
Though Sabally fell to the floor in pain, she was called for a shooting foul.
When Sabally went down, her vocal complaint to the referee was audible, just before Brondello departed the match.
“Angel, she’s a protected species,” exclaimed Brondello.
In response to the situation, Reese posted about Brondello’s comment on X after the game, saying, “Are we surprised?!” and even included a clown emoji, tagging Brondello in the post.
Brondello later admitted that she regretted her choice of words. “I also recognize that my words had repercussions beyond my intentions, particularly affecting Black women in our league, and I’m genuinely sorry for that,” she continued. “Throughout my career, I’ve been privileged to compete and learn from extraordinary Black women.”
Recently, the WNBA has been under scrutiny following various incidents where players reported instances of racist comments directed at them.
Alyssa Thomas from the Mercury shared that she received hateful messages following a game in June when Caitlin Clark accidentally struck her neck during a tussle for a loose ball.
Additionally, Hilton Grand Vacations terminated an employee this week who was found to be sending racist messages to player Chelsea Gray.
The Tempo and the Dream are set to face off again on August 10th.
