Toronto Tempo forward Nyara Sabally left Friday’s game against the Atlanta Dream with a rib injury after contact with Atlanta forward Angel Reese. The Dream defeated the Tempo 111-92 in Toronto. Sabally was called for a foul on the play under the basket late in the game. She was helped off the court and did not return.
The contact occurred during a sequence involving an offensive rebound. Sabally, who has been a productive scorer and rebounder for the Tempo this season, sustained the rib injury in the collision. The play drew attention from both benches and officials.
Toronto head coach Sandy Brondello addressed the officials after the call. Broadcast audio captured her using the phrase “protected species” in reference to Reese. Brondello, who is Australian, later explained that the term is common slang in Australian sports. It describes a player or team perceived to receive preferential treatment from referees and fewer fouls called against them.
Brondello issued a public apology on social media the following day. She stated that the comment came in the heat of the moment due to frustration with officiating. She took full responsibility, said the words unfairly focused attention on Reese, and expressed regret for any hurt caused to Reese, her teammates, the Dream organization, and the broader community, particularly Black women in the league. Brondello noted her long career working with and learning from Black players and coaches.
Reese responded on social media with a post that read “ARE WE SURPRISED?!” tagging Brondello and including a clown emoji. The exchange highlighted differing views on the incident and officiating.
The WNBA suspended Brondello for one game without pay. She will miss Toronto’s Monday matchup against the Las Vegas Aces. The league stated that it expects coaches and team personnel to maintain high standards of professionalism and respect. The matter is expected to be discussed in an upcoming meeting between players and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
Sabally’s injury adds to challenges for the Tempo, who have faced multiple player absences this season. The collision and subsequent comments have drawn attention to physical play in the WNBA and how officials manage contact under the basket. Both Reese and Sabally are key contributors for their teams, with Reese known for her rebounding and interior presence and Sabally for her scoring efficiency and versatility. Updates on Sabally’s condition and her return timeline are expected from the Tempo in the coming days.