Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese responded to comments made by Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello, prior to the Dream’s game against the Chicago Sky on Sunday. Reese expressed gratitude for the WNBA’s action against Brondello, stating there’s no room for discrimination or hate in the league.
Brondello was suspended by the WNBA for referring to Reese as a ‘protected species’ during a previous game. The term, while commonly used in Australian sports to denote players perceived to receive favorable treatment from officials, was construed by Reese as an attack.
Reese specified her appreciation for Brondello’s apology but emphasized the overwhelming love and support she received in the aftermath. She stressed the importance of maintaining a positive spirit in the league, focusing on winning basketball.
Although Reese refrained from calling Brondello outright racist, her social media activity suggested otherwise. She shared posts highlighting the racial undertones of Brondello’s comment without directly labeling it as such.
The incident began following a collision between Reese and Tempo forward Nyara Sabally during a game, resulting in a foul called on Sabally, not Reese. Brondello’s frustration with the refereeing led to her ‘protected species’ comment.
Despite Brondello’s apology explaining her emotion-driven statement and acknowledging the impact of her words, the controversy persists. Reese’s decision not to engage directly with Brondello reflects her stance on the matter.
Brondello has spent nearly three decades in the WNBA, emphasizing her longstanding respect for Black women within the league. She desires to be part of the solution and not contribute to the problem, and she seeks to clarify her intent and explain the cultural context of her comment.
Reese’s reaction to the incident underscores the significance of sensitivity regarding language in sports, especially when cultural interpretations vary. While Brondello attempted to mend the situation, Reese has continued to label the episode as discriminatory.