Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello apologizes to WNBA player Angel Reese after a hot-mic remark during the Tempo’s 111-92 loss to the Atlanta Dream on Friday. Multiple reports say Brondello was heard saying “Angel, she’s a protected species” while discussing a call with officials in the fourth quarter. The comments came after a play involving Tempo center Nyara Sabally, who was assessed a defensive foul on Reese with 3:16 remaining; Sabally falls and receives attention from Toronto’s medical staff. Sources describe Brondello’s position that the remark reflected frustration directed at the referees, and that the phrasing may have been intended in an Australian vernacular context rather than as a direct comment about Reese. Still, officials, players, and fans interpret the words as inappropriate, leading to backlash. Brondello makes a public apology to Reese on Saturday, acknowledging that the wording unfairly put attention on Reese rather than the officiating. Fox News also reports the WNBA suspends Brondello over the incident.