Australian WNBA coach Sandy Brondello has been suspended for one game for an inappropriate comment she used during a Toronto Tempo game against the Atlanta Dream on Friday.
Bronello, who also coaches the Aussie Opals, will miss Monday’s game against the Las Vegas Aces.
“The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league,” the league said Saturday in a statement announcing the suspension.
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During the 111-92 loss to the Dream, the broadcast picked up the Tempo’s coach addressing officials after Toronto player Nyara Sabally went down with an injury after contact with Angel Reese. Sabally was called for the foul and Brondello could be heard saying Reese was a “protected species”.
Brondello posted an apology on social media on Saturday.
“Angel, I’m sorry,” Brondello said. “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.
“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.
“I regret that my words caused hurt to a community I respect so deeply. I have a lot of respect for you as both a player and a person, and I sincerely apologise to you, your teammates, and the Dream organisation for my comment.”
Reese hit out at Brondello on social media after the game, posting: “ARE WE SURPRISED?!” and tagging Brondello’s account, followed by a clown face emoji.
The “protected species” phrase is commonly used in Australian sports to express frustration for a lack of calls against a player. However, in the US, the phrase suggests that someone isn’t human and could be seen as derogatory toward black people.
Brondello has been a head coach in the league since 2014, winning titles with Phoenix and New York.
