The 2025 NBA Finals Game 7 was a rollercoaster of emotions, especially for T.J. McConnell of the Indiana Pacers.
After a tough battle against the Oklahoma City Thunder, disappointment hit hard for McConnell after the Pacers’ 103-91 loss.
Recently, a video went viral on the internet showing T.J. inconsolably crying as he headed to the locker room. Like the rest of us, the ESPN cameraman also wanted to show the emotional side of the high-stakes NBA Games.
But as the camera guy followed the Pacers’ backup point guard, the team’s VP of Player Relations, Karen Atkeson, confronted the cameraman. She waved her hands at the lens and asked to stop filming the vulnerable and personal moment of the Indiana star.
TJ McConnell’s mom told the cameraman to stop filming him crying:
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) June 23, 2025
“STOP! STOP!” pic.twitter.com/YKydDHM5ZE
However, it was expected that T.J. McConnell would experience an emotional toll after the game. He put on a solid performance, scoring 16 points and grabbing six rebounds.
He even managed to spark a crucial moment in the game with 10 straight points during the third quarter. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, the Thunder’s defense was just too much for the Pacers to handle.
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Pacers VP Karen Atkeson Mistaken For T.J. McConnell’s Mom
While the Pacers were all here and there holding on to their emotions as their maiden NBA championship dream fell short, there was a misunderstanding.
After the video of an emotional T.J. McConnell being consoled by a lady with a Pacers lanyard went viral, many mistook her for his mom, Shelly McConnell.
But she was actually the Indiana Pacers’ Vice President of Player Relations, Karen Atkeson.
You can check her LinkedIn profile here.
For your information, Karen has dedicated 28-plus years of her professional career to managing Pacers players’ relations with the media. It’s all because of her efforts that the Indiana Pacers never get late to the press conference.
For clarity, T.J.’s mom is Shelly McConnell. She’s a key figure in his life and someone who has shaped him into the person he is today.
