Angel Rees has accepted Australian coach Sandy Brondello’s apology for making inappropriate comments towards the Atlanta Dream star.
The WNBA suspended Brondello for one game after she was heard calling Reese a “protected look” during the Dream’s 111-92 win over Brondello’s Toronto Tempo over the weekend.
“First of all, I appreciate Sandy’s apology, but I also appreciate the love and support I’ve had over the last 48 hours,” Rhys said before Dream performed on Chicago Sky on Monday (AEST).
“It was very overwhelming, a lot of love and so much more. But I’m grateful the league took action.”
Brondello’s comment about Reese was picked up on the broadcast after Toronto player Nyara Sabally went down with an injury and was called for a foul after making contact with Reese.
Brondello apologized on social media, with Reese writing, “ARE WE SURPRISED?!” after the game, tagging Brondello’s account, followed by a clown face emoji.
The phrase “protected species” is used in Australian sport to express disappointment that a player has not been charged. However, in the US, the phrase suggests that someone is not human and can be seen as derogatory towards black people.
“There is no place for discrimination or hatred from anyone in this league, from fans to coaches to players,” Reese said.
“I’m just grateful that we can come out of this situation and just play winning basketball. The WNBA has to be positive and we’re going in a great place right now, so I just want to keep it up and move forward.”
AP