Angel Reese has addressed the controversy surrounding Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello after the WNBA disciplined the veteran coach. Reese said she’d like to move on and stay focused on basketball. The situation drew attention after Brondello commented on a game against the Atlanta Dream. The league later announced disciplinary action against the coach.
Angel Reese reacted after the WNBA disciplined Tempo coach Sandy Brondello over comments about ‘protected species.
According to ESPN, Reese spoke with reporters on Sunday, July 19, after the WNBA suspended Brondello for one game. “There is no place for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone,” Reese said.
She also said she was thankful that things were moving forward and everyone could concentrate on winning in basketball. Reese also noted that the WNBA is moving forward and in a positive way and wants that momentum to continue.
On July 17, the controversy began during the Atlanta Dream’s 112-92 victory over the Toronto Tempo on Friday. Brondello referred to Reese as a “protected species” while speaking to game officials after Tempo forward Nyara Sabally suffered an injury during a play involving Reese.
Reese responded to X later with, “ARE WE SURPRISED?! @SBrondello”, and a clown-face emoji. According to ESPN, the WNBA suspended Brondello for one game and said all players and staff must uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect.
Brondello later stated she wasn’t targeting Reese directly with the comment. She told reporters that the expression is widely used in Australia when people think that someone is getting different treatment. “I should have took a breath and realized where I am in America because I know racism is such a big issue here,” Brondello said. She also stated that she had already contacted Reese and would not be using such Australian expressions again.
Reese said she felt it was important to stand up for what was going on. “If you want change, you have to speak on it,” Reese said. She added that it is important that people don’t shy away from important issues because speaking openly encourages accountability.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK THE WNBA HANDLED THE SANDY BRONDELLO CONTROVERSY THE RIGHT WAY?
Originally reported by Ayusi Adhikari on Reality Tea
