​Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has been suspended one game without pay for making an “inappropriate comment” about Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese, the WNBA announced on Saturday, July 18.”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.The incident happened during the Tempo’s 111-92 loss to the Dream in Toronto on Friday. As the Dream led the Tempo 98-86 with 3:16 remaining in the fourth quarter, Toronto forward Nyara Sabally was called for a personal foul as Reese went up for a layup. The contact sent Sabally to the ground in pain as she grabbed her midsection. Brondello pleaded her case to the referees for a foul to be called on Reese.”Angel, she’s a protected species,” Brondello said to the officials. “Oh, come on. You can agree. It’s (expletive).”More: Tempo coach apologizes to Angel Reese for midgame ‘species’ commentAngel, 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. My frustration was with the officiating, but my words unfairly put the focus on you.— Sandy Brondello (@SBrondello) July 18, 2026Reese reacted to Brondello’s comments on X Friday evening, writing, “ARE WE SURPRISED,” with a clown face emoji. Brondello issued a public apology to Reese on social media the next day for her choice words.”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. My frustration was with the officiating, but my words unfairly put the focus on you,” Brondello said.Brondello will serve her suspension on Monday when the Tempo host the Las Vegas Aces in Toronto. USA TODAY has reached out to the Tempo and Dream for comment.This story will be updated with more information. Contributing: Meghan L. HallReach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at chenderson@gannett.com and follow her on X at @CydHenderson.The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news —  Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tempo coach Sandy Brondello suspended by WNBA for Angel Reese comment