WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes is the newest 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 unique interpretation of Brondello’s phrase and defined why individuals have been so shaken up by it.
Brondello apologized to Angel Reese after getting backlash; nevertheless, 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 pattern this weekend, calling out Brondello in a publish on her Instagram Tales.
“Wow!” Swoopes captioned a publish that supplied a unique interpretation of the phrase “protected species.” The screenshot outlined a protected species as “a plant or animal safeguarded by legislation, 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 In opposition to 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. Based on The Blast, the dwell 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 shortly referred to 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 certainly one of Brondello’s gamers was referred to 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 harm.
Brondello Apologizes To Angel Reese Following Her Offensive Phrase
Angel, I am sorry. Final evening, within the emotion of the second after Nyara’s harm, I used a phrase that I should not have used, and I take full duty for that. My frustration was with the officiating, however my phrases unfairly put the deal with you.
— Sandy Brondello (@SBrondello) July 18, 2026
The noise round Brondello’s remark solely obtained louder on Saturday, July 18, prompting the previous New York Liberty coach to challenge what gave the impression to be a heartfelt apology.
“Angel, I’m sorry,” Brondello posted. “Final evening, within the emotion of the second after Nyara’s harm, I used a phrase that I shouldn’t have used, and I take full duty for that. My frustration was with the officiating, however my phrases unfairly put the deal with you.”
Brondello went on to speak concerning the immeasurable impression that Black ladies have had on the WNBA since its inception and shared that she’s spent her profession enjoying with, teaching, and studying from one of the best of them.
“I remorse that my phrases brought on damage to a group I respect so deeply. I’ve quite a lot 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 possible appreciated by some, the WNBA nonetheless suspended the coach for one sport. On July 18, the league launched a press release and mentioned Brondello would miss her crew’s Monday sport (with out pay) towards the Las Vegas Aces “for an inappropriate remark she made relating to Angel Reese.”
“The WNBA expects all coaches and crew personnel to uphold the best requirements of professionalism and respect which can 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 capturing evening and going 8-of-8 from the charity stripe.
Reese, then again, scored 23 factors from 7-of-11 capturing 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.
