WNBA issues suspension
Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has received a one-game suspension without pay from the WNBA. The disciplinary action follows comments made by Brondello regarding Angel Reese during a recent game. The league announced the suspension on Saturday, stemming from an incident that occurred during Friday night’s matchup between the Atlanta Dream and the Tempo.
During the Dream’s 111-92 victory over the Tempo, Brondello was reportedly heard telling a referee, “Angel, she’s a protected species.” This comment was made amidst her frustration concerning the officiating of Reese during the game. The remark quickly drew attention, particularly after a user on a social media platform questioned the coach’s choice of words, to which Reese responded, “Are we surprised?!” Brondello, who is white, later issued an apology for her comments through a series of social media posts on Saturday.
Context and reaction to the comment
The comment by Brondello, an Australian, ignited a discussion online. Some social media users pointed out that the term “protected species” is used in Australia as slang to describe someone who receives preferential treatment. This interpretation suggests the comment was a sports term indicating perceived favorable officiating, rather than a racial slur. The term is also commonly used in other sports, such as the NFL, to describe players like Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady, or in the NBA for players like LeBron James, who are often seen as receiving preferential calls from officials. Similarly, in baseball, veteran players are sometimes referred to as ‘protected species’ due to perceived favorable treatment.
However, the context of a white coach referring to a Black player as a “species” led to significant backlash. Reese herself engaged with the online conversation, amplifying the sentiment that the comment was problematic. This incident occurred on a night where Reese delivered a strong performance on the court, finishing with 23 points, 12 rebounds, three steals, and two assists. Her contribution was a key factor in the Dream’s victory.
Reese’s performance and team standing
Reese’s performance in the game against the Tempo continued her strong run of play. She was the second-highest scorer for the Dream, making 7 of 11 shots. This season marks Reese’s first with the Dream, following a trade from the Chicago Sky. She is currently averaging career-highs in several statistical categories, including 15.7 points per game, 11.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.7 steals.
This season, Reese has been named an All-Star for the third time in her three-year WNBA career, highlighting her impact on the league. Her contributions have helped the Dream achieve a 15-10 start to the season, placing them in a tie for first place in the Eastern Conference and fifth overall in the WNBA standings. In contrast, Brondello’s Tempo, an expansion team in their inaugural WNBA season, fell to a 10-15 record after the loss to the Dream, positioning them fifth in the East and 11th in the WNBA.
The suspension means Coach Brondello will miss one game as a consequence of her comments.
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Source: bleacherreport.com
