Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese spoke with the media ahead of Sunday’s game and addressed the situation with Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello.
“First, I appreciate Sandy’s apology, but I also appreciate the love and support that I’ve had for the last 48 hours. 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. The WNBA is supposed to be positive and we are going in a great light right now, so I just want to continue that and move forward.”
“First, I appreciate Sandy’s apology, but I also appreciate the love and support that I’ve had for the last 48 hours. 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. The WNBA is supposed to be positive and we are going in a great light right now, so I just want to continue that and move forward.”
The Dream and Tempo played last Friday, and Atlanta won 111-92. With 3:16 remaining in the fourth quarter, Toronto’s Nyara Sabally fouled Reese after an offensive rebound. The Tempo challenged the call, arguing that Reese had committed a hostile act by elbowing Sabally in the ribs. Sabally left the game during a timeout.
As the call was being reviewed, Brondello yelled at the referees. Microphones picked her up, saying, “Angel, she’s a protected species!”
The WNBA described the incident as “an inappropriate comment.”
After the game, Brondello issued an apology on X to Reese for her comments.
Brondello is Australian and some fans pointed out on social media that the term “protected species” in Australian sports vernacular is intended to refer to a player who receives preferential treatment from referees and officials during competition. For instance, in rugby.
Yet what a phrase means in Australia can have far different implications in other countries. Obviously, Reese believed Brondello’s remark meant something more hostile.
In issuing her apology, which was also reposted by the Tempo’s social media team, Brondello realized that what she meant was less important than how Reese viewed the term that was used.
“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.”
“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,” she continued. “I’ve spent my career competing with, coaching and learning from incredible Black women.”
“I regret that my words caused hurt to a community I respect so deeply,” Brondello added. “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.”
“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.”
“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,” she continued. “I’ve spent my career competing with, coaching and learning from incredible Black women.”
“I regret that my words caused hurt to a community I respect so deeply,” Brondello added. “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 was suspended for one game for her comments, and she will serve that suspension on Monday.
Reese has played 24 games for the Dream so far this season. She is averaging 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 30.8 minutes per game.
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