WNBA Addresses Controversy Surrounding ‘Protected Species’ Comment

Angel Reese, player for the Atlanta Dream, responded to remarks from Toronto Tempo’s head coach Sandy Brondello. Before the Atlanta Dream faced the Chicago Sky, Reese expressed appreciation for the WNBA’s handling of Brondello’s ‘protected species’ comment.

Reese addressed the issue publicly, noting, “There is no place for discrimination or hate in the league.” She thanked the WNBA for taking action against Brondello. However, Reese did not mention the comment’s cultural origins or Brondello’s Australian background. ‘Protected species’ is a common expression in Australian sports, used to describe players who receive favorable treatment.

During the game, Brondello expressed frustration with officiating after her player, Nyara Sabally, was injured during a collision with Reese. Brondello remarked that Reese was treated as a ‘protected species,’ implying preferential treatment by the referees.

Despite the controversy, Reese did not label Brondello as racist. Yet, her framing of the comment suggested it was an attack on a Black woman. Reese emphasized the incident as an example of discrimination and hate.

After the remark, Brondello apologized. In her public apology, she stated, “I used a phrase that I shouldn’t have used, and I take full responsibility for that.” She expressed concern over the unintended impact on Black women and explained the comment’s intent.

Brondello also reached out to Reese for a personal conversation. She clarified that the comment was not directed at Reese personally but was a heat-of-the-moment expression common in her home country. Brondello acknowledged the racial sensitivity of the phrase in America.

Brondello has been part of the WNBA for 27 years and has worked with many Black women. “I know I’m not racist,” Brondello asserted. She expressed a commitment to being “part of the solution, not the problem.” Her proactive steps included public apologies and direct outreach to Reese.

While Brondello sought dialogue with Reese, as of the latest reports, Reese had not engaged with the coach’s attempt for reconciliation. Reese continued to categorize the incident as encompassing discrimination and hate, despite Brondello’s efforts to clarify her intentions.