Final season of Squid Game: The ending is not for the faint of heart!

Netflix’s Squid Game stars hint at ‘crazy and unexpected’ ending for season 3

Squid Game will be returning to Netflix for its third and final season and the cast have teased what fans can expect from the ending.

Netflix’s Squid Game season 3 is set to drop, with the cast dishing out their insights into what might be a staggering finish for the critically acclaimed South Korean phenomenon.

The cliffhanger from season 2 pitches Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) and his fellow survivors against ominous odds, setting up an intense conclusion that has fans eagerly guessing.

During a Netflix press event attended by Reach Screen Time among others, showrunner Hwang Dong-hyuk and a trio of Squid Game stars shed light on their perspectives regarding the series’ climax.

Lee Jung-jae distilled the essence of the final chapter into “finale, forgiveness, harmony” while adding a twist, Lee Byung-hun who portrays Front Man hinted at a “new start”.

Front Man is played by Lee Byung-hun (Image: Netflix)

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Conversely, director Hwang remained enigmatic, simply vowing the ending would be “crazy, insane and nuts”.

Probing further, reporters quizzed lead actor Lee Jung-jae at the press junket for more nuance on the denouement, where he enigmatically indicated it’s “not what you think”.

Commenting on director Hwang’s commitment, he reflected: “I thought director Hwang’s decision that he had made… he was very determined and he knew what he was doing.”

However, he acknowledged the potential struggles in wrapping a narrative of such magnitude: “But I’m sure that he went through a lot of internal debate and struggles, because as we all know, it’s just a hugely successful series.”

Pondering the fate of his own character, Lee contemplated: “So when it’s a story that big, how do you bring that to closure as writer, director and creator? And, especially for a character like Gi-hun, where do you leave his journey?”.

Squid Game season 3 is coming soon (Image: Netflix)

He elaborated: “I know that he listened to a lot of other people’s ideas as well. You know, we would have discussions among ourselves and the cast. He would also discuss it with me and the crew as well.”

The Squid Game star then confirmed: “I believe that director Hwang came up with the most adequate, the most unpredictable, the most meaningful and the most intriguing and entertaining ending possible.

“So, personally I am very happy with the finale, and you all are going to be able to see where it all ends soon, but I can guarantee you it’s not going to be what you think.”

Lee Byung-hun hinted at potential surprises in store for the Squid Game saga, noting: “Director Hwang keeps saying it’s a finale, but when I first read it I felt it could be a finale, but at the same time it could be a new start.

“I’m not sure about this as it’s my personal opinion but if the audience’s love and support increases, we’ll never know what happens..”

Seong Gi-hun is played by Lee Jung-jae (Image: Netflix)

Park Gyu-young added her thoughts on the series’ trajectory, stating: “If season 2 was the explanation of the expanded universe of Squid Game, I think in season 3 all the questions will be answered really clearly and all the characters will make their own decisions and break through all the hardships they’re going through, so I’m pretty sure it’s a finale of this whole universe.”

Netflix enthusiasts are on tenterhooks for the third and supposedly final chapter of Squid Game, with the release just around the corner.

The official blurb for the third season reveals: “A fa1led r3bellion, the d3ath of a friend, and a secret betrayal. Picking up in the aftermath of Season 2’s bl00dy cl1ffhanger, the third and final season of Netflix’s most popular series finds Gi-hun, a.k.a. Player 456, at his lowest point yet.

“But the Squid Game stops for no one, so Gi-hun will be forced to make some important choices in the face of overwhelming despair as he and the surviving players are thrust into deadlier games that test everyone’s resolve. With each round, their choices lead to increasingly grave consequences.

“Meanwhile, In-ho resumes his role as Front Man to welcome the mysterious VIPs, and his brother Jun-ho continues his search for the elusive island, unaware there’s a traitor in their midst. Will Gi-hun make the right decisions, or will Front Man finally break his spirit?”.

Tyrese Haliburton collapses with serious injury in NBA Finals Game 7 – LeBron & Mahomes react emotionally!

The 2025 NBA Finals reached its dramatic climax during Game 7 between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder on June 22, a first-ever title-decider in franchise history, when Tyrese Haliburton suffered a painful injury that prompted emotional reactions from LeBron James and Patrick Mahomes.

Early in the game, just minutes into the first quarter, Pacers point guard Haliburton collapsed to the floor in agony, clutching his lower right leg after attempting a drive to the basket.

Tyrese Haliburton forced to leave game 7 after he went down with apparent injury

He was clearly distressed, unable to bear weight on his injured leg, and was escorted off the court by Pacers medical staff members, tears evident – an emotional moment echoing the gravity of Achilles injuries past.

Prior to this crushing moment, Haliburton had been playing admirably through a previously strained right calf, dealing with discomfort since Game 5. Haliburton returned to play Game 6 despite wearing a compression sleeve and continued to contribute – 14 points, five assists, and two steals – before sitting out much of the second half.

The injury in Game 7 happened with 4:55 remaining in the first period, effectively ending his participation in the deciding matchup.

Pacers lose their catalyst

Up until his exit, Haliburton had already hit three of four three-pointers, contributing nine points and energising Indiana’s early performance.

His absence dealt a profound emotional blow: teammates formed a huddle around him, visibly shaken.Though the Pacers held a slender 4847 halftime lead, their star’s loss was a cruel twist in a game where every possession mattered.

This moment drew disturbing parallels to Kevin Durant’s Achilles rupture in the 2019 Finals – another star felled under the championship spotlight.

LeBron and Mahomes’s reactions poured in swiftly and poignantly – revealing the start of a broader conversation about resilience, care, and the athlete’s duty to themselves.

LeBron is no stranger to Finals pressure, and the Lakers icon addressed Haliburton’s situation on X (formerly Twitter), simply exclaiming: F**K!!!!”

LeBron’s simple, yet powerful message gets straight to the point: above the spectacle of championship games, there’s a human being whose health can’t be compromised and all athletes are concerned for each other, no matter what sport they play. Mahomes also joined in on the act, writing: “Prayers up brother”, accompanied by four ‘pray’ emojis.

Pain, pressure and perspective

Haliburton’s injury underscores broader tensions in modern sports: the drive to play hurt versus the long-term toll it takes.

The Pacers point guard competed through a strained leg, echoing the championship ethic many athletes feel compelled to uphold. His repeated comebacks – Game 5 with calf pain, Game 6 heroics, Game 7 collapse – mirror the fine line between bravery and physical cost.

His father confirmed Haliburton had suffered an Achilles/severe lower-leg injury, and he spent the rest of Game 7 on the bench with family by his side. Meanwhile, public reactions – by commentators and fans – varied from sorrow and support to harsh criticism, such as Kendrick Perkins calling the situation “playing scared,” sparking backlash.

LeBron and Mahomes emphasized what truly matters: the welfare of a young athlete, the bond of respect among players, and the reminder that – in the end – titles can wait, but the body’s health is non-negotiable.

Congratulations – AFTER 46 YEARS OF WAITING – Oklahoma City Thunder reclaim glory after the most thrilling Game 7 in history!

The Oklahoma City Thunder are NBA champions for the first time after defeating the Indiana Pacers in seven games on Sunday night, and one bettor is six figures richer because of it.

A bettor at MGM in Las Vegas wagered $1.05 million on the Thunder to win the finals at -700 odds on June 4 before the series began — a wager that cashed $150,000.

It was the largest reported wager on the series at legal sportsbooks in the United States. Rapper Jay-Z also wagered seven figures on the Thunder ($1 million at Fanatics Sportsbook), but his bet was for Oklahoma City to win the series in exactly five games.

Oklahoma City came into the series as an overwhelming favorite and was tied as the seventh-largest favorite in the Finals since 1969, according to Sports Odds History. Even down 2-1 in the series, the Thunder remained -250 favorites to win it all.

Houston Rockets have second-best NBA title odds at sportsbooks after Kevin Durant trade

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NBA Finals odds: Thunder open as big Game 7 favorites despite ugly Game 6 loss to Pacers

Oddsmakers were generally rooting for the Thunder in the series, as the big price was prohibitive for too much liability to build up on Oklahoma City — and the teams representing the worst outcomes for sportsbooks (the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, etc.) had already been eliminated.

Also, as one oddsmaker noted, the Thunder play in a state where sports betting isn’t legal and don’t have a big fan base outside of their local market, leading to fewer futures wagers despite Oklahoma City being the favorite all season.

The Thunder opened as the clear favorites at sportsbooks to repeat in 2025-26 with +220 odds.

BRITISH TV ROCKED – Debate Explodes as BBC anchor Martine Croxall changes script live on air: “Pr3gnant People” or “Women”? Was she RIGHT or WRONG?

Staggering moment BBC newsreader refuses telecom prompt in trans row

Veteran newsreader Martine Croxall couldn’t hide her disdain as she corrected the teleprompter’s feed.

BBC News presenter refuses to say ‘pregnant people’

BBC presenter Martine Croxall corrected on-air wording during a news broadcast by replacing the term “pregnant people” with “women”.

While reading a segment on heat-related health risks, Croxall appeared to pause before amending the script mid-sentence. She said: “London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has released research which says that nearly 600 heat-related deaths are expected in the UK.

“Malcom Mistry, who was involved in the research, says that the aged, pregnant people… women… and those with pre-existing health conditions need to take precautions.”

The moment, which was broadcast live, gained traction online after clips were shared to social media. Author JK Rowling posted: “I have a new favourite BBC presenter.”

Martine appeared to roll her eyes at the language (Image: BBC)

 

Campaign group Seen in Journalism described it as “good to see accuracy on BBC News,” while gender-critical commentator James Esses said: “The BBC is so utterly enthralled to gender ideology that it took a brave newsreader to correct the teleprompter instruction to say ‘pregnant people’ by instead saying ‘women’ afterwards. Let’s hope she isn’t cancelled for her rebellion.”

Most Popular Comments

1st Most liked comment • 8 hours ago84
“Well done Martun Croxall , about time BBC stopped being so PC and as someone else said in thrall to the woke world ! . From time of Adam and Eve …”
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2nd Most liked comment • 9 hours ago66
“It’s about time that someone put these ‘PC’ people back in their box. Well done that …”
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3rd Most liked comment • 9 hours ago56
“Give that woman a medal !!”
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Another user wrote: “Watch the eye roll as Martine Croxall realises ‘Malcolm’/ the script team have tried to slip in ‘pregnant people’! @BBCNews stop erasing the uniqueness of ONLY the female s3x being capable of pregnancy.”

Other responses included: “Take a bow Martine Croxall,” “Well done @MartineBBC for standing up for women & girls AND biological science,” and “Give Martine Croxall a pay rise #BBCNews.”

JK has been vocal about her support for women-only spaces (Image: JK Rowling Instagram)

Croxall, who joined BBC News in 2001, has previously drawn attention for her handling of gender-related coverage. In April, she challenged trans activist Heather Herbert during an interview on the Supreme Court’s ruling that the definition of “woman” is based on biological s3x.

During the segment, Herbert said: “I feel like I’m under attack.” Croxall replied: “How is it an attack? It’s a clarification of what the word woman means.”

She added: “The ruling is that woman means biological s3x.”

“The Banker is READY! Deal or No Deal RETURNS” – Stephen Mulhern Confirms and teases Sh0cking Surprises in the Comeback!

Stephen Mulhern confirms Deal or No Deal future: ‘Counting the money’

Game show host Stephen Mulhern has opened up about the future of his ITV show Deal or No Deal after pleas from fans

Stephen Mulhern confirmed Deal or No Deal’s future (Image: Getty)

Stephen Mulhern has issued an announcement on the future of his ITV game show Deal or No Deal after taking up the mantle from Noel Edmonds. Fans have been pleading to know when – or indeed if – they can expect new episodes of the programme after the current series ended earlier this year.

One desperate fan begged on X: “@ITV @StephenMulhern When is Deal or No Deal back?” As another echoed: “Can’t wait for the new series. Have missed it!” Another joked: “Never mind the Banker. When’s Noel Edmonds coming back?”

Keen to answer the legions of fans wanting further information, Stephen tweeted: “Hello mate, Deal or No Deal is back in September! I can hear the Banker counting his money already!” He encouraged fans to sign up as contestants for the new series, telling them: “You’ve cried at the heartbreak. You’ve cheered at the celebrations. Now it’s your chance to hold the box…”

He has ended his £1million contract with Butlin’s (Image: Getty)

But it comes after a huge change for Mulhern, whose £1million contract with Butlin’s comes to an end this year. The Dancing on Ice star, 48, has been the face of the chain for three years, but won’t be renewing his contract.

After starting out as a Redcoat entertainer at the holiday chain, he returned to stages in Minehead, Bognor Regis and Skegness as part of his lucrative deal, but now a spokesperson has told The Mirror: “Stephen has absolutely loved being part of the Butlin’s family – performing his stage shows in front of thousands of holiday makers across the country and the relationship with Butlin’s remains hugely positive.

“This change allows Stephen to explore new opportunities in the family holiday space – something he’s incredibly passionate about.”

A Butlin’s spokesperson added: “Stephen has been an incredible part of the Butlin’s experience and continues to be a valued member of the family. Stephen’s much-loved live show won’t return in 2026 after three fantastic years, but we’re thrilled to be working together on ongoing projects this autumn.”

“STOP forcing me”– JoJo Siwa BREAKS DOWN in Tears after harsh backlash from the community questioning ‘Who She Really Is?’ and claiming she’s only Dating Chris Hughes because her fame is fading!

JoJo Siwa has been hit by cruel backlash after it was revealed she’d pulled out of an appearance at a Chicago Pride event.

The singer, 22, had been due to take to the stage at the Chicago Back Lot bash on Sunday, but in a post on Instagram, organisers revealed she will no longer be performing due to a ‘scheduling conflict.’

JoJo has sparked a social media frenzy since she confirmed she is dating Love Island star Chris Hughes, after they met on Celebrity Big Brother in April.

The star, who identifies as queer, also shared on Friday that she felt ‘pressured’ to call herself a l3sbian.

Following the news of JoJo’s withdrawal from the Pride show, some fans were quick to share their reaction to the news on social media, with others rushing to defend the star, as the move came just a week after she postponed her US tour.

Comments included: ‘America just dropped bombs on Iran, why would we care about JoJo Siwa winning s**t

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JoJo Siwa has been hit by cruel backlash after it was revealed she’d pulled out of an appearance at a Chicago Pride event due to a ‘scheduling conflict’

‘She won’t be missed; And this is relevant because!?’

‘I’m so over this girl, her 15 minutes of fame are up goodbye!’

However, others rushed to JoJo’s defence, writing: ‘Aww, hope she’s doing okay! Love is wild

‘People are being extremely unfair to JoJo. I’m not a fan but she’s young. She’s figuring things out, in the public eye which has to be a nightmare in itself.

‘She can be pans3xual if that’s what she feels. She is allowed to explore until she find what’s right for her.’

On Saturday, Back Lot Bash Chicago shared the news that JoJo would not be performing at the event as planned, with a post on Instagram Stories.

‘Due to a scheduling conflict, JoJo Siwa will no longer be performing at Chicago’s Back Lot Bash,’ it read.

The news came just a day after JoJo one day revealed to YOU Magazine that she felt pressured into calling herself a l3sbian.

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The singer had been due to take to the stage at the Chicago Back Lot bash on Sunday, but in a post on Instagram, organisers revealed she will no longer be performing (pictured in 2024)

Following the news of JoJo’s withdrawal from the Pride show, some fans were quick to share their reaction to the news on social media

However, others were quick to defend the star, as the news came just a week after she postponed her US tour

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On Saturday, Back Lot Bash Chicago shared the news that JoJo would not be performing at the event as planned, with a post on Instagram Stories

JoJo Siwa makes shocking career move cancelling Pride show

‘When I came out at 17, I said: ‘I’m pans3xual, because I don’t care [about gender].’ But then I kind of boxed myself in and I said: ‘I’m a l3sbian.’ And I think I did that because of pressure.’

The Dance Moms alum has had several relationships with women since coming out in February 2021.

‘In a weird way, I think [the pressure] came a little bit from inside the [LGBTQ] community at times. From people I know, from partners I’ve had,’ she contended.

‘You just get put in this world where you feel like, because you now have said, ‘Oh, I’m a l3sbian’, you have to be a l3sbian. And the truth is, s3xuality is fluid.’

Siwa met her current love interest, Chris Hughes, 32, while they were both competing on Celebrity Big Brother UK.

The TV presenter defended Siwa after fellow contestant Mickey Rourke, 72, made h0m0phobic comments.

The two became friends, and then ‘platonic soulmates’ and then it developed into something more with the couple going public with their romance earlier this month.

‘I’ll just say that it took time. It took time away and then it took time together,’ and went onto call Chris ‘the favourite part of her life.’

The Karma artist was set to return to the US next week for the American leg of her tour, but an announcement made on the website jojosiwalive.com said the dates have been postponed, with those who bought tickets would receive a refund.

She also teased that there would be more shows in Europe announced soon in a hint that she could be staying in the UK for longer.

It comes just days after it was revealed JoJo has been dropped by record label Columbia just one year after being signed.

JoJo had been signed to the record company Columbia in 2024, and she released her single Karma and EP Guilty Pleasure with the label.

But less than a year later, the US reality star is no longer working with Columbia Records and released her latest song Bulletproof independently.

Elsewhere, The Sun reported on Friday that JoJo and Love Island star Chris have been in talks with ITV bosses about their own reality TV show, with it being lined up to air on ITV2 later in the year.

Elsewhere, The Sun reported on Friday that JoJo and Love Island star Chris have been in talks with ITV bosses about their own reality TV show, with it being lined up to air on ITV2 later in the year.

A source told the publication: ‘It’s still in the early stages but ITV really think they’d be amazing TV with their own show.

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JoJo has sparked a social media frenzy since she confirmed she is dating Love Island star Chris Hughes , after they met on Celebrity Big Brother in April

‘Fans around the world are obsessed with their relationship and there are so many TikTok accounts devoted to their love story.’

They added: ‘Chris and JoJo are keen too, and while there is no deal signed yet, the talks have been really promising.’

Before confirming their romance, JoJo and Chris played coy over their relationship status – despite numerous cosy public outings

After forming a close bond in the Celebrity Big Brother house, JoJo finally confirmed earlier this month that she and Chris are officially an item and that she’s started calling him her boyfriend.

In an interview with Capital Radio, JoJo said: ‘I’m sure it’s no secret to people, I am in a lovely relationship with a sweet boy named Christopher Hughes.’

She also gushed about her blossoming romance with Chris in an interview with The Guardian when asked whether things between them were still platonic.

‘It’s not platonic anymore, and it’s been a beautiful development, a beautiful connection, and I’m absolutely head over heels for him and he’s the same way,’ she told them.

“We were Pushed to the P0int of V0miting in Front of Clients” – Two A Place In The Sun Hosts Reveal Sh0cking Behind-the-Scenes Moments!

A presenter from A Place In The Sun has revealed the more difficult side to her job, including a strict dress code she had to follow.

The Channel 4 show helps house hunters find their dream abode abroad.

Scarlette Douglas, 38, first appeared on the property programme back in 2015 and has used her expertise to aid many prospective buyers.

Despite travelling to many stunning locations and meeting a range of interesting people, working on the show isn’t always fun.

Scarlette told The Express how A Place In The Sun is actually ‘really hard’ and five days of filming is put into creating just one ’47-minute show’.

She also revealed the two sorely-needed items that presenters are banned from wearing.

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A Place In The Sun presenter Scarlette Douglas (pictured) has revealed the more difficult side to her job including a strict dress code she had to follow

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Scarlette Douglas, 38, first appeared on the property programme back in 2015 and has used her expertise to aid many prospective buyers

‘There’s a lot that goes into it. It’s hard work,’ the property expert said.

She added: ‘You can’t wear sunglasses or a hat.’

The presenter admitted: ‘You just about have time to drink some water. You keep going and going and going, so as much as it looks glamorous, it’s actually a really difficult show.’

Scarlette left A Place In The Sun back in 2022 and has since gone on to feature on another property show, Worst House On The Street.

The Channel 4 series sees property developers Scarlette and Stuart Douglas, who are brother and sister, help people transform their family homes without breaking the bank.

Another presenter from A Place In The Sun shared her own tale from the show.

Jasmine Harman, 49, has been a property expert on the Channel 4 programme since 2004.

Over the two decades she has seen a range of holiday homes and plenty of potential buyers find their dream abode abroad.

However, she shared one incident that stood out to her and she described as ‘awful,’ to the Express.

The TV star described how she suffered from motion sickness during a ride on a microlight plane in the Algarve.

‘We were flying and he was doing all of these little tricks and I got a bit of motion sickness and I started to feel a bit dodgy. I kept telling myself, “I’ll be alright, I’ll be alright,”‘ she recalled.

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Scarlette left A Place In The Sun back in 2022 and has since gone on to feature on another property show, Worst House On The Street, with her brother Stuart (pictured)

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Another presenter, Jasmine Harman (pictured), from A Place In The Sun shared her own tale from the show

Jasmine felt ‘so sick’ when the plane landed but ‘just couldn’t get the helmet off’.

She added: ‘I ended up vomiting inside the helmet. And it was so embarrassing. In front of the house hunters and this handsome pilot. The whole team.’

The presenter described it as ‘an awful moment’ and ‘everyone was there,’ but she has now laughs about it instead.

“David, WE’RE WAITING FOR AN APOLOGY” – Fox News’ Martha MacCallum hits back hard after LA Times’ David Horsey calls female anchors “Bl0nde Barbies in tight, sh0rt skirts”.

Fox News host Martha MacCallum defended female hosts on the network Wednesday, saying they are “serious women with outstanding resumes” and aren’t “bl0nd3 Barbies.”

In a piece for Time magazine’s opinion section, “Motto,” MacCallum took exception to the Los Angeles Times’s David Horsey not directly apologizing to her or other current Fox anchors after he characterized network employees as “bl0nd Barbie d0lls in short, tight skirts” in a Nov. 1 column.

The columnist initially made the remark while taking a shot at White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, arguing she isn’t the type of w0man President Trmp wouldn’t normally call upon to “represent his interests.”

MacCallum noted in the op-ed Wednesday that the columnist had expressed remorse about the “Barbie” comments when pressed by former network host Megyn Kelly on her NBC morning program last week, but only did so in general terms.

“The women of Fox News — commodified as ‘Bl0nd3 Barbie D0lls’ — also deserve a public apology,” MacCallum wrote.

“Our success is not about hair color or skirts. It’s about elbow grease, dedication and sacrificing time with our families and friends. We are fine with that, it goes with the territory,” she said.

Horsey initially commented on Fox News anchors when writing about Trmp’s top spokesw0man.

“Much like [former Fox News Chairman and CEO] Roger Ailes when he was stocking the Fox News lineup with bl0nd Barbie d0lls in short, tight skirts, the president has generally exhibited a preference for sleek beauties with l0ng legs and stiletto heels to represent his interests and act as his arm candy,” wrote Horsey, who also described Sanders as looking “more like a slightly chunky soccer mom.”

After considerable bl0wback, Horsey apologized for the remark about Sanders.

“I want to apologize to Times readers — and to Sarah Huckabee Sanders — for a description that was insensitive and failed to meet the standards of our newspaper. It also failed to meet the expectations I have for myself,” Horsey wrote at the top of the controversial column.

“It surely won’t be my last mistake, but this particular error will be scrupulously avoided in my future commentaries. I’ve removed the offending description,” he wrote.

MacCallum, a former CNBC host and Wall Street Journal television reporter, pivoted in her op-ed to also discussing sexual harassment issues at Fox News that dominated headlines after numerous allegations led to the dismissal of Ailes, Bill O’Reilly and Eric Bolling within the span of 13 months.“At Fox News, we faced our own realities about sexual harassment. For many, the stories we saw written about our workplace felt alien to us,” she wrote.

“The Fox News that I know and work in is a team of producers, technicians, photographers, truck operators and production managers who barely have time to eat lunch, much less engage in bad behavior,” she wrote.

“Obviously, there are well-documented exceptions. Still, as I watch these stories explode across Hollywood and Capitol Hill, I believe we are at a watershed moment in the conversation,” she concluded.

Game 7 – How have the visiting Pacers planned their celebration on Thunder’s home court?

The Indiana Pacers recalled their fondest moments of the 2024/25 NBA Finals ahead of a mouth-watering Game 7 clash on Sunday, June 22 – as Obi Toppin sends the Oklahoma City Thunder a menacing warning.

An incredible effort on June 19 saw the Pacers run out 108-91 winners at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse to force the NBA Finals to go to a winner-takes-all meeting at the Paycom Center.

Pacers players reveal their favorite moments from the NBA Finals and what they’re still waiting for

Dominant on three-point efforts whilst claiming 16 steals to their rivals’ four, Indiana also proved to have a clear edge when it came to minimizing turnovers by a 21-10 margin as they hauled themselves back into championship contention.

Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander putting up 21 points, it wasn’t enough to stop the Pacers as all of Pascal Siakam, Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, Tyrese Haliburton, T.J. McConnell and Obi Toppin managed to hit double figures when it came to points.

That proved the team has talent across the board and hands them momentum heading into the final game of the 2024/25 NBA season, as they chase down their first title since the 1973 campaign. But was it the players’ best moment of their in their eyes?

“Of the Finals?,” Aaron Nesmith told MARCA’s Nacho Garcia. “I mean it has to be Tyrese’s game winner in Game 1. That one, and our dominant win in Game 6.”

Ben Sheppard concurred by adding, “I’d probably say Tyrese Haliburton’s game winner in Game 1.”

A moment that stunned the world of NBA

Haliburton stunned the basketball world in Game 1 of the 2024/25 NBA Finals, hitting a game-winning 21-foot jumper with just 0.3 seconds remaining as the shot sealed a 111-110 win for Indiana.

It capped a 15-point fourth-quarter rally, solidifying the Pacers’ identity as this postseason’s comeback specialists and made it clear they will not be willing to go down to the Thunder without a bitter fight.

However, on more touching note, the Pacers’ Nembhard chose to credit the fans back in Indiana for their avid support at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse and beyond, something that has clearly left a mark in the locker room.

“I mean, I think the fan base in Indiana has been amazing,” said Nembhard. “I think that’s been a highlight of the Finals.

But whilst it’s sweet and fun to remember the iconic moments that have happened in this thrilling NBA Finals, the first to go to Game 7 since LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers stopped Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors in 2016, there is a job to do.

And that’s exactly what Obi Toppin decided to remind his colleagues and also Oklahoma City, sending them a clear message that there is only one thing that will standout in his mind: Getting his hands on the Larry O’Brien Trophy on Sunday.

“It hasn’t happened yet. It hasn’t happened yet,” warned Toppin. “I’m not going to change that answer.

“Whatever happens in Game 7. It’s going to be great.”

When is Game 7 of the 2024/25 NBA Finals as the Thunder take on the Pacers?

Game 7 of the 2024/25 NBA Finals will take place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma as the Thunder take on the Indiana Pacers before their passionate home crowd at a sold-out venue with a capacity of 18,200 seats.

Fans can watch the action live on ABC on Sunday, June 22 from 20:00 ET/17:00 PT as Haliburton faces off against Gilgeous-Alexander for one last time in what has been a thrilling series of basketball. Which team will win?

NBA draws massive media attention to Game 7 between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder – BUT unexpectedly, the spotlight shifts to veteran referee Scott Foster and the growing controversy surrounding him.

It is a strong likelihood that NBA referee Scott Foster will officiate Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday, June 22.

Foster, who is one of the NBA’s top referees based on a multi-pronged ratings system that uses feedback from teams, called Game 4 in Indianapolis, and Pacers fans were unhappy with his whistle in the Thunder victory.

The NBA does not publicly reveal referees until 9 a.m. ET of game day, but given the rotation of the Finals refs, it makes sense that Foster would get the assignment since he has reffed just one 2025 Finals game and hasn’t been in the rotation since Game 4.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle defended Foster at media availability before Game 5.

“I think it’s awful some of the things I’ve seen about officiating, and Scott Foster in particular,” Carlisle said on Sunday, June 15. “I’ve known Scott Foster for 30 years. He is a great official. He has done a great job in these playoffs. We’ve had him a lot of times. The ridiculous scrutiny that is being thrown out there is terrible and unfair and unjust and stupid.”

PACERS COACH: Rick Carlisle defends referee Scott Foster after fan criticism

Before the Finals began, the NBA announced the 12 referees who were selected to officiate Finals games based on evaluations from playoff games this season.

Not every ref will get two games, but it won’t be a surprise if Foster gets Game 7.

Foster is working his 18th Finals and has reffed 25 Finals games, including Game 7 in the 2010 Finals between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers and Game 7 of the 2013 Finals between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs.

James Capers, Tyler Ford, Ben Taylor, Josh Tiven and Sean Wright are the other officials who have had just one Finals games this season. A crew of Foster plus a combination of Capers, Tiven and Williams makes sense. Ford and Taylor called their first Finals games this month.

In Game 4, both teams combined to shoot 71 free throws, including 38 by the Thunder. On the NBA’s Last Two-Minute Report, referee operations examined 17 plays and found they were all “correct calls” or “correct no-calls.”

Foster had reffed one previous Pacers playoff game this season.

Some fans have given Foster the nickname “The Extender,” claiming that he has a history of making dubious calls during the playoffs that have extended series.

Longtime NBA writer Tom Haberstroh, however, referenced a study that says there’s “not much evidence at all” of Foster’s ability to ‘extend’ the series.

How are NBA Finals referees selected?

According to the NBA, playoff referees are selected, “based on their overall performance throughout the first three rounds of the NBA Playoffs 2025. Officials were evaluated by the NBA Referee Operations management team after each round to determine advancement in this year’s postseason.”

Who is NBA referee Scott Foster?

Foster is considered one of the best referees in the league.

An official in his 30th season with the NBA, Foster entered this season having officiated 1,675 regular season games and 241 postseason games. Friday night was Foster’s 25^th time officiating an NBA Finals game. This is his 18th NBA Finals, overall..