Angel Reese has given her first statement since Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello was dealt a one-game ban after making a controversial comment about the Dream star.
During Atlanta’s 111-92 win over the Tempo on Friday night, the former Liberty coach could be heard calling Reese a “protected species” following a scuffle with Nyara Sabally that brought on a foul call Brondello didn’t like.
“ARE WE SURPRISED?!” Reese posted on X after the game, followed by tagging Brondello’s account and adding a clown emoji.
On Sunday, Reese gave her first comments to the media since the incident.
“First, I appreciate Sandy’s apology but I also appreciate the love and support that I’ve had for the last 48 hours. It has been very overwhelming. A lot of love and also other things,” she said. “I am grateful that the league did take action on the situation that happened. There is no place for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone — from fans to coaches to players. I’m just grateful we are able to move on from the situation and just play winning basketball.
Angel Reese shared a statement regarding Sandy Brondello and the incident on Friday.
Says she’s appreciative of Sandy’s apology, but also of the support of her from others the past 24 hours
Brondello was suspended for one game pic.twitter.com/xyJxAYFzm4
— Malik Brown (@_MalikATL) July 19, 2026
“The WNBA is supposed to be positive and we are going in a great light right now. So, I just want to continue that and move forward.”
By Saturday, Brondello was given her suspension for the “inappropriate comment” by the WNBA.
Following the game, she wrote an apology to Reese and the league and its fans on X.
She continued that when speaking with reporters on Sunday.
“I handle conflict immediately. I reached out after the game. I was trying to be proactive because I try to put myself in their situations, and I have been a player,” Brondello said, per Chelsea Leite of TSN. “I’ve been with these players and understand what it’s like for them, especially in this country. I made a mistake. I owned it, and I think that’s what you can do as a human being, isn’t it? We’re all going to make some mistakes from time to time. It’s what you do with it and I just know I have to be better.
“Be careful what you say because sometimes it’s you know, it’s an emotional thing. I mean, it was not meant to be taken as it was, but I feel sorry that it did…It’s a learning experience for me. I’ve been in this league for quite some time. Have had so many different experiences. This is a learning experience, this is not personal. I think Angel is an amazing player and an amazing person.”
Brondello added it was a comment that “Australians we say all the time” and that she should have “realized where I am.”
In the final moments of the game, Reese grabbed a rebound and when she went up for the shot, she knocked down Sabally with her shoulder and the former Liberty player and 2024 champion received a shooting foul.
That’s when Brondello got heated.
She could be overheard ripping the officials for the call and yelled, “Angel, she’s a protected species.”
Brondello will miss the Tempo’s Monday night game against the defending champion Aces.
The Tempo and Dream will meet again on August 10.
