Opals coach Brondello suspended for 'protected species' remark on Reese

Australian Opals and Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has been suspended for one game without pay after making an ‘inappropriate comment’ about Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese during a WNBA match on Saturday. The comment, caught on broadcast, referred to Reese as a ‘protected species’ — a phrase often used in Australian sports to suggest a player receives preferential treatment from officials. The league announced the suspension on Sunday, citing a breach of its standards of professionalism and respect.

The Incident on Court

The remark occurred late in the game between the Tempo and the Dream at Toronto. Tempo center Nyara Sabally was called for a defensive foul on Reese, and shortly afterward Sabally was treated for a rib injury and did not return. The Dream won 111-92. Brondello was heard saying, ‘Angel, she’s a protected species.’ The comment quickly spread on social media after the game, with Reese herself sharing a post that tagged Brondello. The post called Reese a ‘black woman’ and a ‘species,’ to which Reese responded, ‘Are we surprised!?’ along with a clown emoji.

Brondello’s Apology and WNBA’s Response

Brondello issued a public apology on social media the following day. She wrote that she took ‘full responsibility’ for her words and that her frustration was with the officiating, not Reese. She acknowledged that her comment had an unintended impact, particularly on Black women in the league. ‘I’ve spent my career competing with, coaching and learning from incredible Black women,’ she wrote. ‘I regret that my words caused hurt to a community I respect so deeply.’ She also apologized directly to Reese, her teammates, and the Dream organization. The WNBA confirmed that Brondello would serve the suspension during Toronto’s next game against the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday. The league emphasized that all coaches and team personnel must uphold the highest standards of professionalism.

Broader Context of Racial Vilification

The incident comes at a time of heightened awareness around racial abuse in the WNBA. Earlier this month, Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas faced death threats and racial slurs online after fouling star rookie Caitlin Clark. League commissioner Cathy Engelbert and Clark both spoke out against the abuse. Separately, a Hilton Hotel employee was fired after using a racial slur against Aces guard Chelsea Gray in a direct message. The WNBA has been under pressure to address online harassment of its players, particularly Black women. Three-time Olympic gold medalist and college coach Dawn Staley shared Brondello’s apology on social media, calling it ‘a real apology.’ Reese did not directly respond to Brondello but shared a post suggesting that ‘so many girls can learn from how she stands up for herself.’

Implications for Brondello and the League

Brondello, 57, is one of the most decorated coaches in women’s basketball, having won WNBA championships with two different teams and leading the Opals to multiple Olympic medals. She is also the only Australian head coach in the WNBA, now leading the expansion Toronto Tempo in their inaugural season. The suspension is a rare disciplinary action by the league against a coach for verbal comments. It underscores the WNBA’s commitment to fostering a respectful environment, especially amid ongoing conversations about race and gender dynamics in sports. As the Tempo prepare to face the Aces without their head coach, the incident serves as a reminder of the power of language and the responsibility that comes with a public platform.