WNBA Suspends Coach Sandy Brondello for 'Protected Species' Comment

Australian coach Sandy Brondello has been suspended for one game by the WNBA for an inappropriate comment she used during a Toronto Tempo game against the Atlanta Dream.

Brondello, who coaches the Tempo as well the Opals, will miss Tuesday's AEST game against the Las Vegas Aces.

"The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league," the league said in a statement announcing the suspension.

During the 111-92 loss to the Dream on Saturday AEST, the broadcast picked up Brondello addressing officials after Tempo player Nyara Sabally went down with an injury following contact with Angel Reese.

Sabally was called for the foul and Brondello could be heard saying Reese was a "protected species".

The "protected species" phrase is commonly used in Australian sports to express frustration for a lack of calls against a player.

In the US, however, the phrase can be considered derogatory towards black people.

Brondello posted an apology on social media.

"Angel, I'm sorry," Brondello wrote on X.

"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."

Reese took to social media after the game, posting: "ARE WE SURPRISED?!" and tagging Brondello's account, followed by a clown face emoji.

"I also understand that my words carried an impact beyond what I intended, particularly for black women in our league, and I'm deeply sorry for that," Brondello posted.

"I've spent my career competing with, coaching and learning from incredible black women."

Brondello added: "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 apologise to you, your teammates, and the Dream organisation for my comment."