Angel Reese has chosen to accept the apology from Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello regarding an inappropriate remark about the Atlanta Dream standout.

The WNBA handed Brondello a one-game suspension after she was overheard labeling Reese a protected species during the Dream victory over the Tempo on Friday.

First I appreciate Sandys apology but I also value the outpouring of love and support over the past 48 hours Reese said ahead of the Dream matchup against the Chicago Sky on Sunday. It has been quite overwhelming with plenty of positivity along with other reactions. Still I am thankful the league took action.

There is no room for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone whether fans coaches or players. I am simply grateful we can move past this and focus on winning basketball. The WNBA should remain positive and we are heading in a strong direction so I want to keep that momentum going.

Brondello comment about Reese was captured by the broadcast after Toronto player Nyara Sabally suffered an injury and drew a foul call following contact with Reese.

Brondello issued an apology on social media while Reese responded with ARE WE SURPRISED after the game tagging Brondello account along with a clown emoji.

Brondello who is in her debut season with the expansion Tempo is Australian. The protected species phrase appears often in Australian sports to voice frustration over missed calls against a player. In the US however the expression can imply someone is not human and may carry derogatory undertones toward Black individuals.

I have great respect for her but I wanted to ensure she understood it was an emotional remark Brondello said on Sunday. The phrase is very common in Australia and was not aimed at Angel. I would never direct that at any player. That is not the coach I am or the player I was. It was simply unfortunate. I felt emotional after Nyara was injured again and made a comment Australians use often.

Unfortunately I should have paused and remembered I am in America because I know racism remains a major issue here. I have spent 27 years in this league and never faced anything like this before because these players are my teammates and I have learned so much from the Black athletes I have coached and worked with on staff.