Just days after Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello made headlines with a questionable remark about Angel Reese, one of Brondello’s former players came to her defense.
Natasha Cloud, who played last season for Brondello when they were both under contract to the New York Liberty, pointed out how promptly her ex-coach issued an apology to the Atlanta Dream star after making the “protected species” comment. In a clip posted by Sportico on Wednesday, Cloud (who now plays for the Chicago Sky) vouched for Brondello’s character.
“Sandy’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever played for, one of my favorite coaches…she still checks on me regularly as a player…Nonetheless, Sandy said what she said. She took ownership of it, and she reached out to Angel immediately.”
Though Cloud admitted that Brondello can’t take back what she said, the 11-year veteran also highlighted how “certain terminology and lingo” that Brondello uses in her native country of Australia could translate differently in the U.S.
Controversy ensued last Friday after Brondello was caught on a live mic complaining to a referee about Reese during the Tempo-Dream matchup. As Brondello went on her tirade, she called Reese a “protected species.”
Reese (along with her online supporters) later expressed her disappointment with this comment. Brondello issued a public apology to the three-time WNBA All-Star, though some within the media have claimed that “protected species” is an Australian English term referring to players or teams that benefit from favorable officiating.
“I Appreciate Sandy’s Apology”: Angel Reese Reacts to Tempo HC’s Remorseful Words After Making Controversial Remark
This past Sunday, Angel Reese told reporters how she felt about the Sandy Brondello situation.
While Reese expressed her gratitude for Brondello’s remorse, she stood by the WNBA’s decision to impose a sanction on the Tempo coach.
“I appreciate Sandy’s apology, but I also appreciate the love and support that I’ve had for the last 48 hours…I am grateful that the league did take action on the situation that happened.”
Reese added that there is “no room for discrimination or hate” in the WNBA community.
READ MORE:
Sheryl Swoopes Says Angel Reese Well Within Her Rights To Reject Conversation With Sandy Brondello
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