Story perspectives

WNBA Suspends Coach Brondello Over “Protected Species” Remark

7/20/2026

Summary

Brondello Suspended

The WNBA suspended Tempo coach Sandy Brondello for a game after she called Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese a “protected species” in the Dream’s win on July 17.
Angel Reese accepted the apology, stating discrimination has no place in the league.
Brondello apologized, saying the phrase is common in Australia and she was emotional after Nyara Sabally’s injury.
The suspension will be served in the Tempo’s July 20 game against the Las Vegas Aces.

Summary

Coach Suspended

The WNBA issued a suspension notice that emphasized professionalism and respect after a coach used the Australian slang “protected species.”
Australian analysts explained that “protected species” is slang used to allege officials favor a player.
Instagram users @thetruebigkev said the comment was not racial, while @chanrielle said the coach meant exactly what she said.
The incident sparked a wider conversation about language sensitivity for international coaches in U.S. sports.

History

Historical Context

The IOC has a long record of enforcing conduct rules, from its 1995 pledge to add environment as a third Olympic pillar to later sanctions such as the 2007 stripping of Marion Jones’s five medals and the 2017 removal of 50 medals for doping. The WNBA’s suspension of coach Sandy Brondello echoes this legacy, prompting calls for stricter cultural-sensitivity policies across major leagues.

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Brondello Suspended

The WNBA suspended Tempo coach Sandy Brondello for a game after she called Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese a “protected species” in the Dream’s win on July 17.
Angel Reese accepted the apology, stating discrimination has no place in the league.
Brondello apologized, saying the phrase is common in Australia and she was emotional after Nyara Sabally’s injury.
The suspension will be served in the Tempo’s July 20 game against the Las Vegas Aces.

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