Sandy Brondello’s latest comment about Angel Reese brought her into the spotlight. The Atlanta Dream’s last game against the Toronto Tempo got heated in the fourth quarter, leading head coach Brondello to label the Dream center as a “protected species.” After fans connected her phrase to a racist angle, the coach took responsibility for her statement.
In the fourth quarter, Reese was given a foul on Nyara Sabally, who needed medical attention after the physical play. Meanwhile, Brondello engaged in a verbal spat with the officials, calling Reese a “protected species.” The coach issued an official apology for Reese.
Brondello stated:
“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.”
The Australian coach also highlighted the impacts of her statement on Black women and the community and added:
“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. I’ve spent my career competing with, coaching and learning from incredible Black women.”
Reese scored 23 points and 12 rebounds and registered another double-double to lead the team to victory, along with Naz Hillmon, who scored 24 points. On the other hand, the Tempo needed the win after their last loss to the Washington Mystics.
Angel Reese earlier backed a fan’s comment about Sandy Brondello
While Sandy Brondello humbly apologized to Angel Reese for her comments and its impact on the community, Angel Reese seemingly backed one of the fans’ comments that suggested that the HC’s comments were racist in nature. She reshared a comment that read:
“ARE WE SURPRISED?! @SBrondello”
Even though several fans and seemingly Reese too believed that the comment might be a racial phrase, it’s a commonly used Australian slang and might not have the same intention that is circulated on the internet. However, Brondello’s apology would surely suppress further conversation about the matter, as the team looks to improve its regular-season record.
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