Toronto Tempo’s Sandy Brondello has been suspended for a game by the league after making “objectionable comments” about Angel Reese. However, the controversy rages on even after Brondello has tendered her public apology. Angel Reese, while acknowledging Brondello’s apology, and Atlanta’s head coach, Karl Smesko, have now given their take on the issue.
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“Hello everyone, I’m sure everyone knows about the situation that happened last game, and I’m going to address this one time. First, I appreciate Sandy’s apology, but I also appreciate the love and support that I have had for the last 48 hours. It has been very overwhelming, with a lot of love and also other things, but I am grateful that the league did take action,” Reese said as per ClutchPoints reporter Malik Brown.
“There is no place for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone, from fans to coaches to players. And I’m just grateful that we are able to move on from the situation and just play winning basketball.”
Head coach Karl Smesko weighed in with his take as well, indicating that perhaps Brondello had reached out to someone in Atlanta’s organization after the incident.
“I think Sandy [Brondello] had talked to somebody in the organization, but I checked on Angel [Reese] just to make sure she was doing okay. … Anything that we had to say is going to be private, but we had some communications,” Smesko said as per a post by reporter Wilton C. Jackson II.
Karl Smesko on if Toronto #Tempo HC Sandy Brondello reached out to him or the team regarding her comments concerning #Dream Angel Reese:
— Wilton C. Jackson II (@WiltonReports) July 19, 2026
Question: @MichaelWaterloo
"I think Sandy [Brondello] had talked to somebody in the organization, but I checked on Angel [Reese] just to make… https://t.co/Cr5mYtH6pm
During the closing stages of the Tempo’s game against the Dream on Saturday, a visibly upset Brondello was caught on a hot mic saying, “protected species.”
This was in reaction to a hard contact by Reese on Nyara Sabally, which resulted in a rib injury to her, as per Brondello’s statement after the game. Sabally was forced off the court after this incident. Incidentally, a defensive foul was called on Sabally, even as Brondello was protesting the call.
On Sunday, Brondello posted her apology on social media, directly addressing Angel Reese. “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,” the Australian wrote in her apology.
For now, Brondello will miss Toronto’s upcoming home game against the Las Vegas Aces at the Coca-Cola Coliseum.