Tyrese Haliburton’s father, John, will attend Indiana Pacers home games in a suite, starting with Game 4 against the New York Knicks. He has been absent from games since an April 29 incident involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, where he confronted the Bucks star after a Pacers victory. The Pacers’ front office decided he could not attend any games following the confrontation, which John accepted. He will, however, continue to miss road games. John later apologized for his actions, acknowledging they were inappropriate and not a good reflection of sportsmanship, which Tyrese also supported. The Pacers currently lead the series 2-1.
John Haliburton, Tyrese Haliburton’s father, will be permitted to attend Indiana Pacers home games in a suite, starting with Tuesday’s crucial Game 4 against the New York Knicks, sources informed ESPN on Monday.
John Haliburton has not been present at any games since it was decided he would avoid both home and away matches following an on-court altercation with Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo on April 29.
Since the Pacers’ front office made that decision, John Haliburton has sat out eight games and has been understanding and accepting of the choice, according to sources. He will still refrain from attending road games, sources told ESPN.
After a dramatic Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday night, where they squandered a 20-point first-half advantage, the Pacers now lead the series 2-1.
The confrontation between John Haliburton and Antetokounmpo occurred while the Pacers were celebrating Tyrese Haliburton’s decisive layup with 1.3 seconds remaining in overtime, securing their victory over the Bucks on April 29.
Antetokounmpo reported that John Haliburton approached him, waving a towel and using profanity in what was described as a “disrespectful” exchange.
The two came face-to-face before Bucks players and team security intervened.
Antetokounmpo later mentioned that he spoke with John Haliburton after the incident and affirmed, “we’re in a good place.”
Shortly after the game, John Haliburton issued an apology on social media, stating: “I sincerely apologize to Giannis, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Pacers organization for my actions following tonight’s game. This was not a good reflection on our sport or my son, and I will not make that mistake again.”
After the game, Tyrese Haliburton revealed that he was unaware of the incident until he returned to the locker room, but he acknowledged that his father had crossed a line and mentioned having a discussion with him as well.