WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes is the most recent public determine to talk out about Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello’s offensive remark about Angel Reese.
On Instagram, the 4x WNBA champion shared a screenshot with a distinct interpretation of Brondello’s phrase and defined why folks had been so shaken up by it.
Brondello apologized to Angel Reese after getting backlash; nonetheless, for some, it wasn’t sufficient.
Swoopes has persistently defended Reese, backing the previous LSU standout in interviews and through sport broadcasts. She continued that development this weekend, calling out Brondello in a put up on her Instagram Tales.
“Wow!” Swoopes captioned a put up that provided a distinct interpretation of the phrase “protected species.” The screenshot outlined a protected species as “a plant or animal safeguarded by regulation, making it unlawful to hurt, kill, seize, or disturb them with out particular authorization.”
Swoopes added, “Plant or animal is wild! For these [who] are unclear of the offense! THIS!!!”
Angel Reese Defends Herself Towards Brondello Following Their Newest Contest
ARE WE SURPRISED?! @SBrondello 🤡 https://t.co/moNbYdDYo3
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) July 18, 2026
Drama exploded after Reese’s Atlanta Dream defeated Brondello and the Toronto Tempo on Friday, July 17. In accordance with The Blast, the reside broadcast caught Brondello calling Reese a “protected species” whereas screaming on the officers late within the fourth quarter.
Her feedback turned heads, and Reese defenders rapidly known as Brondello out for utilizing language they deemed racist and problematic. Reese additionally defended herself, showing to name Brondello a clown in a brand new tweet that learn, “ARE WE SURPRISED!?”
The second got here after one in all Brondello’s gamers was known as for a foul on Reese. Through the play, Reese ran into the participant, sending her to the bottom earlier than they exited the sport with a rib damage.
Brondello Apologizes To Angel Reese Following Her Offensive Phrase
Angel, I am sorry. Final evening, within the emotion of the second after Nyara’s damage, I used a phrase that I should not have used, and I take full accountability for that. My frustration was with the officiating, however my phrases unfairly put the concentrate on you.
— Sandy Brondello (@SBrondello) July 18, 2026
The noise round Brondello’s remark solely received louder on Saturday, July 18, prompting the previous New York Liberty coach to concern what seemed to be a heartfelt apology.
“Angel, I’m sorry,” Brondello posted. “Final evening, within the emotion of the second after Nyara’s damage, I used a phrase that I shouldn’t have used, and I take full accountability for that. My frustration was with the officiating, however my phrases unfairly put the concentrate on you.”
Brondello went on to speak concerning the immeasurable affect that Black ladies have had on the WNBA since its inception and shared that she’s spent her profession taking part in with, teaching, and studying from the most effective of them.
“I remorse that my phrases induced damage to a group I respect so deeply. I’ve a number of respect for you as each a participant and an individual, and I sincerely apologize to you, your teammates, and the Dream group for my remark,” she ended.
Brondello Suspended!
Whereas Brondello’s apology was doubtless appreciated by some, the WNBA nonetheless suspended the coach for one sport. On July 18, the league launched an announcement and stated Brondello would miss her workforce’s Monday sport (with out pay) in opposition to the Las Vegas Aces “for an inappropriate remark she made relating to Angel Reese.”
“The WNBA expects all coaches and workforce personnel to uphold the very best requirements of professionalism and respect which might be elementary to our league,” the assertion completed.
The Dream Defeated The Tempo 111-92
The Atlanta Dream defeated the Tempo 111-92 on Friday in a high-scoring, entertaining matchup.
Per ESPN, Naz Hillmon led the Dream in scoring, recording 24 factors on an ideal taking pictures evening and going 8-of-8 from the charity stripe.
Reese, then again, scored 23 factors from 7-of-11 taking pictures and in addition recorded 12 rebounds, giving the 24-year-old her seventeenth double-double of the season.
Jordin Canada had 18 factors and 13 assists, and Allisha Grey additionally had 18 factors.
