The WNBA has suspended Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello without pay for one game after she made an inappropriate comment regarding Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese during Friday night’s game against the Atlanta Dream.
During a heated exchange with game officials, Brondello yelled, “Angel, she’s a protected species,” while arguing a call involving Reese. The comment was captured during the broadcast and quickly circulated on social media.
Following the game, Brondello apologized for the remark, explaining that her frustration was directed at what she believed was inconsistent officiating rather than at Reese personally. She acknowledged that her choice of words was inappropriate and expressed regret for making the comment.
On Saturday, the WNBA announced that Brondello would be suspended without pay for one game, reinforcing the league’s expectation that coaches, players, and team personnel conduct themselves professionally and respectfully at all times.
The suspension means Toronto will be without its head coach for its next game as the franchise continues its inaugural WNBA season.
Brondello, one of the league’s most accomplished coaches, has long been respected for her leadership and success on the sidelines. However, the incident shows that no level of acclaim or respect should shield one from the consequences of one’s actions.
The league did not announce any additional discipline beyond the one-game suspension.
What are your thoughts on the WNBA’s decision? Was a one-game suspension appropriate, or should the league have handled the situation differently?
