Pacers decide Tyrese Haliburton's father won't play – Basketball insider
The Indiana Pacers' front desk decision that Tyrese Haliburton's father, John, will not be playing the team's family or road game for the foreseeable future. ESPN's Shams Charania first reported.
John mocked Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo for causing a fire after the Pacers won the series. John waved his towel in the direction of the Greek striker and used blasphemy when he directed the message to him.
After the match, Antetokounmpo called the bill “unacceptable” and Tyrese admitted his father was wrong.
“I don’t agree with what happened to him,” Halliburton said. “Basketball is basketball, let’s put it on the court. I think he was just excited and saw his son win the game and came on the court, but we had a conversation.
“He just needs to let me play basketball and stay there and I’ll come to him to celebrate.”
Shortly after the game, John did apologize on social media.
“I sincerely send my actions to the Milwaukee Bucks and Pacers organization Giannis. It's not a good reflection of our sport or my son, and I won't make this mistake again.”
I sincerely apologize to the Milwaukee Bucks and Pacers organization Giannis for apologizing for my actions after tonight’s game. This is not a good reflection of our movement or son, and I will not make this mistake again.
– John Haliburton (@papahaliburton) April 30, 2025
Indiana is now shifting its focus to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern semifinals.
Halliburton's father creates unprecedented action
There are some instances where fans create uncomfortable scenes for the player’s family, but this doesn’t happen.
No other NBA player's family members have made an impact in recent memory by performing their own performance in this way.
This is an unfortunate result and a precedent is set. Moving forward, any family member will know that they may be punished like this if they cross the line.
Punishment is for the “foreseeable future”, so how long John will stay in the picture remains to be seen.
Whether it's next season, sometime next season or the reward, it's safe to say that John won't be involved in these antics again.
