WNBA Coach Sandy Brondello Suspended For Calling Angel Reese A ‘Protected Species’ [VIDEO]

The WNBA suspended Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello for one game without pay following a controversial comment she made about Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese. The hot debate on social media is whether or not the comment was racist and does the punishment fit the crime.

During a recent game against the Atlanta Dream, Tempo forward Nyara Sabally went down with an injury following contact with Reese. While arguing the foul call and speaking to officials, Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello was overheard on a hot mic calling Reese a “protected species”.

Some said the phrase “protected species” is simply basketball slang and not an insult. Another argument claimed Brondello, who is an Australian native, used the phrase which is also an idiom in the culture. Brondello following an apologize claims her comment is a “common Australian phrase” she shouldn’t have used.

• In Australian sports calling a player or team a “protected species” is a common way to say that star players or dominant teams get highly favorable calls from referees and umpires. Fans use it to complain when they feel a player is getting away with rough tackles or fouls that would get anyone else penalized.

Angel Reese response to Sandy Brondello’s apology:

“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.”

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