Tempo's Sandy Brondello sends apology to Angel Reese for comment during game against Dream

Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has apologized to Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese for a phrase she used while referencing Reese during Friday evening's game.

The incident happened while Brondello was expressing frustrations over officials. In a clip that's blowing up on social media, Brondello appears to say, "Angel, she's a protected species." Reese responded to Brondello's comments on social media by tagging her and saying, "ARE WE SURPRISED?!" with a clown emoji.

On Saturday, Brondello apologized to Reese with a lengthy series of social media posts. Her message was clear: She was upset with the officiating, not Reese, but she shouldn't have made her comment regarding Reese.

Angel Reese gets apology from Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello

"Angel, I'm sorry," she states in the post 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."

She added that she understands her words "carried an impact beyond what I intended, particularly for Black women in our league, and I'm deeply sorry for that. I've spent my career competing with, coaching and learning from incredible Black women."

"I regret that my words caused hurt to a community I respect so deeply," she concluded. "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."

Reese is proving to be a critical part of the Dream's lineup. In her inaugural season with the Dream after a trade from the Chicago Sky, Reese is averaging a career-high 15.7 points per game, as well as 11.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 steals. She has also been a force in getting the Dream to being tied for first place in the Eastern Conference.