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Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has apologized to Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese after the former was criticized for making a statement that people perceived as racist.

In a series of posts, Brondello addressed her comments, explained where she was coming from, and took accountability for how they affected Reese.

Brondello’s comments came shortly before the end of the Tempo’s game against the Dream, where her player, Nyara Sabally, was called for a foul on Angel Reese.

Sandy Brondello Apologizes To Angel Reese After Calling Her A ‘Protected Species’

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

On X, formerly Twitter, Brondello addressed Reese directly and said, “I’m sorry.” She went on to say that during last night’s game, she let the heat of the moment control her emotions, and she used a phrase that was wrong. Brondello explained that her “frustration” was with the officials, not with Reese directly.

Brondello went on to acknowledge how her words “carried an impact” beyond what she intended, “particularly for Black women in our league.” The former New York Liberty coach said she’s spent years playing, coaching, and learning from “incredible Black women,” and she’d never intentionally harm 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,” Brondello finished.

Angel Reese Called Brondello Out With A Public Tweet After The Tempo Vs. Dream Game

ARE WE SURPRISED?! @SBrondello 🤡 https://t.co/moNbYdDYo3

— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) July 18, 2026

Brondello’s apology comes after a clip of her screaming at the referees and calling Reese a “protected species” went viral.

According to The Blast, social media users were furious with Brondello’s choice of words, considering one user said she was “out of line” and another said, regardless of how Brondello meant it, “calling a Black woman a species is nasty no matter how you slice it.”

Reese was also bothered by Brondello’s words, as she later ran to her X account and implied that Brondello’s phrase had racial undertones. “ARE WE SURPRISED?!” Reese wrote.

Brondello Praised Angel Reese During Her Pre-Game Interview

Coach Sandy Brondello on Angel Reese:

“Angel is just so crafty. Her ability to anticipate where the ball's coming in and her positioning to get offensive rebounds and putbacks is elite. That's why she's so good at what she does. I think she's improved her moves off the dribble.… pic.twitter.com/HqpLWs6PZX

— Savanna Hamilton (@SavHamilton11) July 17, 2026

Before the game began, Brondello spoke with the media about Reese’s style of play and her ability to impact the game in an unprecedented way.

“Angel is just so crafty. Her ability to anticipate where the ball’s coming in and her positioning to get offensive rebounds and putbacks is elite. That’s why she’s so good at what she does. I think she’s improved her moves off the dribble. They put her in face-ups too, and she’s attacking it,” she said.

Reese Helped Lead The Atlanta Dream To A Win Over The Toronto Tempo

Last night’s game was the third time the Tempo faced off against the Dream. According to ESPN, Naz Hillmon led the Dream in scoring with 24 points on a perfect shooting night. Reese added 23 points to the Dream’s 111-point win, going 7-of-11 from the field and recording 12 rebounds.

The Dream Is Getting Back To What Fans Are Used To

Before the Dream’s victory over the Tempo, they had another stellar showing against the Los Angeles Sparks on July 13. Prior to that, they were in the middle of a five-game losing streak after fumbling the ball against the Golden State Valkyries, the Seattle Storm, and the Washington Mystics. In early July, Reese broke her silence on her team’s unexpected losses.

“We have 5 games going into All-Star, and any team in front of us should be scared because we’re ready, and we’re gonna continue to put our foot forward every day, watch film, get together and figure ourselves out,” she said. “Adversity builds character in the locker room, having tough conversations, taking accountability for things and figuring it out.”

The Toronto Coach Sandy Brondello Apologizes To Angel Reese Following Racist Claims first appeared on The Blast