WNBA suspends Brondello for 'protected species' remark
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- WNBA suspended Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello for one game after she referred to Angel Reese as a "protected species" while addressing officials during the Dream's 112-92 win over the Tempo on Friday
- Reese thanked the league and Brondello for the apology, saying she is "grateful" the WNBA took action and that there is "no place for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone"
- Brondello apologized on X Saturday and told reporters Sunday that the phrase is common in Australian sports to express frustration over officiating differences and was not directed at Reese personally
- Multiple native Australians confirmed to ESPN that "protected species" is used in Australian sports to mean a player being officiated differently from others, though in American culture the phrase has a history of derogatory use toward Black people
- Brondello is set to serve her suspension Monday when the Tempo host the Las Vegas Aces; she has coached the Australian national team since 2017 and has been in the WNBA for 27 years
- Reese exited Sunday's win over the Chicago Sky with an unspecified leg injury and is slated to play in her third All-Star Game next week
Why it matters: The WNBA's one-game suspension of a 27-year league veteran signals the league is willing to discipline coaches even for brief on-court comments. For Reese, who has faced sustained online vitriol since joining the WNBA in 2024, the league's action validates her public stand against what she framed as discrimination.
