SerpApi.Org
The WNBA is praised for its players sharing their unfiltered opinions on all things basketball, and Toronto Tempo star Temi Fagbenle was the latest to jump to the defense of her head coach Sandy Brondello after her one-game suspension.
Fagbenle was a former teammate of Caitlin Clark on the Indiana Fever in 2024 before moving to the Golden State Valkyries and Tempo since the expansion draft.
The Tempo star backed her coach after Brondello was suspended for one game without pay after she called Angel Reese a "protected species" during Toronto's 111-92 loss to the Atlanta Dream.
Meanwhile, Joy Taylor and others defended the league's decision to suspend Brondello.
• Joy Taylor defends WNBA's Sandy Brondello ban after 'inappropriate' Angel Reese comment
• Angel Reese suffers WNBA injury blow just days after 'protected species' controversy
Reese finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds before the verbal jab. Brondello apologized and said she was frustrated with the officiating after Nyara Sabally was injured in a play involving Reese.
The Tempo star posted on Threads and said that she believed Brondello's words were misunderstood and did not deserve league punishment.
She explained that 'protected species' is a common Australian slang term for athletes who get special treatment from officials. Fagbenle wrote, "I see nothing suspension-worthy with what Sandy Brondello said."
"Species is the unfortunate and touchy word of this well-known phrase, especially in the US' racially charged climate, but if she was saying it about CC (an appropriate comparison re popularity), there would be no outrage, now would there? Suspension is laughable."
Fagbenle said the WNBA's punishment could start a real conversation about race in America. "What have we learned from this saga? Intention does not negate impact," she added.
"The phrase SB used is a well-known figure of speech that can be used to describe many of the top players in this league, Black and white alike." Reese accepted Brondello's apology and praised the WNBA for taking action.
The Atlanta Dream multi-time All-Star said there is no place for discrimination or hate in the league from anyone, including coaches. Reese added that she wants to move forward and focus on winning.
The league called Brondello’s comments inappropriate and reminded coaches and staff to show professionalism and respect. Brondello told Reese her words brought unwanted attention to the Dream star and had a bigger impact than she meant, especially for Black women in the league.
Fagbenle mentioned Clark after they played together for one season in Indiana, including 22 regular-season games and the playoffs. Clark is also seen as a top player who some people think gets special treatment from the WNBA and league officials.
