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WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes is the latest public figure to speak out about Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello’s offensive comment about Angel Reese.

On Instagram, the 4x WNBA champion shared a screenshot with a different interpretation of Brondello’s phrase and explained why people were so shaken up by it.

Brondello apologized to Angel Reese after getting backlash; however, for some, it wasn’t enough.

Sheryl Swoopes Defends Angel Reese Against Sandy Brondello

Ooop pic.twitter.com/KBXWjKEWcU

— T (@Tearrrrr__) July 19, 2026

Swoopes has consistently defended Reese, backing the former LSU standout in interviews and during game broadcasts. She continued that trend this weekend, calling out Brondello in a post on her Instagram Stories.

“Wow!” Swoopes captioned a post that offered a different interpretation of the phrase “protected species.” The screenshot defined a protected species as “a plant or animal safeguarded by law, making it illegal to harm, kill, capture, or disturb them without special authorization.”

Swoopes added, “Plant or animal is wild! For those [who] are unclear of the offense! THIS!!!”

Angel Reese Defends Herself Against Brondello Following Their Latest 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. According to The Blast, the live broadcast caught Brondello calling Reese a “protected species” while screaming at the officials late in the fourth quarter.

Her comments turned heads, and Reese defenders quickly called Brondello out for using language they deemed racist and problematic. Reese also defended herself, appearing to call Brondello a clown in a new tweet that read, “ARE WE SURPRISED!?”

The moment came after one of Brondello’s players was called for a foul on Reese. During the play, Reese bumped into the player, sending her to the ground before they exited the game with a rib injury.

Brondello Apologizes To Angel Reese Following Her Offensive Phrase

Angel, I'm sorry. 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.

— Sandy Brondello (@SBrondello) July 18, 2026

The noise around Brondello’s comment only got louder on Saturday, July 18, prompting the former New York Liberty coach to issue what appeared to be a heartfelt apology.

“Angel, I’m sorry,” Brondello posted. “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.”

Brondello went on to talk about the immeasurable impact that Black women have had on the WNBA since its inception and shared that she’s spent her career playing with, coaching, and learning from the best of them.

“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 apologize to you, your teammates, and the Dream organization for my comment,” she ended.

Brondello Suspended!

While Brondello’s apology was likely appreciated by some, the WNBA still suspended the coach for one game. On July 18, the league released a statement and said Brondello would miss her team’s Monday game (without pay) against the Las Vegas Aces “for an inappropriate comment she made regarding Angel Reese.”

“The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league,” the statement finished.

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 points on a perfect shooting night and going 8-of-8 from the charity stripe.

Reese, on the other hand, scored 23 points from 7-of-11 shooting and also recorded 12 rebounds, giving the 24-year-old her 17th double-double of the season.

Jordin Canada had 18 points and 13 assists, and Allisha Gray also had 18 points.

The Sheryl Swoopes Weighs In On Sandy Brondello’s ‘Protected Species’ Comment About Angel Reese first appeared on The Blast