Angel Reese has broken her silence after the WNBA suspended Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello for one game over her controversial “protected species” remark during Friday night’s game between the Atlanta Dream and Toronto Tempo.
“First, I appreciate Sandy’s apology, but I also appreciate the love and support that I’ve had for the last 48 hours,” Reese said ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Chicago Sky. “It has been very overwhelming with a lot of love and also other things. But I am grateful that the league did take action.”
“There is no place for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone — from fans to coaches to players,” Reese added. “And I’m just grateful that we are able to move on from the situation and just play winning basketball. The WNBA is supposed to be positive, and we are going in a great light right now, so I just want to continue that and move forward.”
Sandy Brondello Apologizes After Serving One-Game Suspension
Following backlash last week, Brondello issued a public apology on social media before addressing reporters on Sunday.
“I made a comment that Australians, we say all the time, and unfortunately I should have took a breath and realized where I am,” Brondello said.
She also revealed that she reached out to Reese immediately after Friday’s game, trying to apologize directly.
In her earlier statement, Brondello accepted responsibility for her words.
“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,” she wrote.
“My frustration was with the officiating, but my words unfairly put the focus on you.”
“I also understand that my words carried an impact beyond what I intended, particularly for Black women in our league, and I’m deeply sorry for that.”
While the controversy generated significant discussion across the WNBA, both Reese and Brondello have expressed a desire to move forward.
Also Read:
WNBA Issues Stunning Sandy Brondello Decision Following Angel Reese ‘Protected Species’ Remark
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