Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has been suspended for one game by the WNBA following an inappropriate comment made during Friday’s contest against the Atlanta Dream. The league confirmed the disciplinary action after reviewing the incident, which occurred during a tense moment in the game. Brondello will now be forced to sit out Toronto’s upcoming matchup against the Las Vegas Aces on Monday.
The comment, which was directed toward Angel Reese, came amid Brondello’s visible frustration with the officiating after Nyara Sabally suffered an injury during the game. With the suspension now confirmed, the Tempo will have to manage without their head coach on the sidelines as they prepare for a key road test against the Aces.Â
WNBA Suspends Sandy Brondello for One Game Following Inappropriate On-Court Comment
Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has been suspended without pay for one game by the WNBA following comments she made about Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese during Friday night’s matchup. The league confirmed the decision on Saturday, stating, “Toronto Tempo Head Coach Sandy Brondello has been suspended without pay for one game for an inappropriate comment she made regarding Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream during the Tempo’s 111-92 loss to the Dream yesterday in Toronto.” Brondello will now miss Toronto’s home game against the Las Vegas Aces on Monday.
The WNBA also reaffirmed its expectations regarding conduct from coaches and team staff, adding, “Brondello will serve her suspension Monday when the Tempo host the Las Vegas Aces. The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league.” The suspension comes after the league reviewed the incident involving the veteran coach.
Brondello faced widespread criticism after television cameras picked up her telling an official, “Angel, she’s a protected species,” during the game. The remark quickly sparked backlash from fans and members of the basketball community, with many calling for disciplinary action and an apology. The WNBA’s decision to suspend Brondello officially closes the matter, with the coach set to return after serving her one-game ban.
Toronto Tempo Coach Sandy Brondello Breaks Silence With Public Apology
Before the WNBA officially announced her one-game suspension, Sandy Brondello publicly apologized to Angel Reese, taking full responsibility for the comment she made during Toronto Tempo’s game against the Atlanta Dream. In her statement, Brondello acknowledged that her words were inappropriate and clarified that her frustration had been directed at the officiating, not Reese. She wrote, “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.”
Brondello also admitted that she recognized the broader impact of her remark, saying she understood the hurt it had caused, particularly within the Black community in the league. She added, “I regret that my words caused hurt to a community I respect so deeply. 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.”
