Tyrese Haliburton Addresses Father’s Ban from Games Following Incident with Giannis: “He Made a Mistake — But He’s Still My Dad”

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has broken his silence regarding the league and team’s decision to ban his father, John Haliburton, from attending games for the foreseeable future. The ban follows a tense postgame incident involving Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo that briefly overshadowed the Pacers’ dramatic first-round series win.

Speaking candidly to the media, Haliburton expressed his understanding of the disciplinary action, while also standing by his father as a son.

“I understand the decision made by our organization and the league,” the All-Star point guard told reporters, as shared by Pacers insider Tony East. “I’ve said it before — my dad was in the wrong. He knows that, and he’s taken accountability. But he’s still my father, and I’m not going to throw him under the bus. I love him, and I know he’ll be fine watching the games from home.”

The incident in question occurred after Indiana clinched a thrilling overtime victory to eliminate the Bucks. As emotions ran high, John Haliburton was seen waving a towel featuring his son’s face in a taunting manner near Giannis Antetokounmpo, drawing the ire of the two-time MVP. Giannis later described the act as “very disrespectful,” a sentiment echoed by many, including Tyrese himself, who publicly acknowledged the moment crossed a line.

While the league acted swiftly to preserve player safety and professionalism, Tyrese Haliburton emphasized that this one lapse in judgment should not define his father — or anyone involved.

“We all make mistakes,” he said. “And we learn from them. That’s what matters. One moment doesn’t define who you are as a person — same goes for me, or anyone else. We move on, together.”

John Haliburton has since apologized to Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, and appears ready to take a backseat as his son continues his impressive playoff campaign. Though banned from attending games in person, Tyrese said his father remains emotionally invested and will continue supporting him from afar.

“He’ll be texting me at halftime, calling me after the game. That’s not going to change,” Haliburton added with a grin. “It is what it is.”

With the off-court drama now fading into the background, the Pacers are turning their focus to a tough second-round battle against the Cleveland Cavaliers — a team with greater depth and a more balanced roster than the injury-plagued Bucks. Despite Milwaukee losing star guard Damian Lillard to a severe Achilles injury, the Pacers still deserve credit for their composure and resilience in closing out the series.

That said, their road ahead is far more treacherous.

The Cavaliers have just dismantled the Miami Heat, even while missing key guard Darius Garland for stretches. Their defensive tenacity and physicality could pose significant problems for Indiana. If the Pacers want to keep their dream run alive, they’ll need another heroic stretch from Haliburton — the same player who willed them to victory with clutch shot-making in Game 5, including the game-tying points that forced overtime and two stunning drives that sealed the upset.

As the 2023 All-NBA Third Team guard leads his team into a pivotal semifinal matchup, there’s no doubt he’ll carry the lessons — and the love — of his father with him, even if it’s from a distance.

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals tips off Sunday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. All eyes will be on Haliburton as he tries to push the Pacers one step further in this improbable postseason journey.