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Charles Barkley believes Tyrese Haliburton’s dad’s ban should end

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By Titan Frey | Last updated May 22, 2025 5:10 PM ET

Tyrese Haliburton has been playing at an elite level, generating plenty of excitement. This excitement led to the Pacers banning his father from attending games, creating an unfortunate situation.

Tempers flared following the Pacers’ stunning, series-clinching Game 5 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round. In the aftermath, emotions ran high as players and fans processed the shocking result.

This led to Haliburton’s dad, John Haliburton, confronting Giannis Antetokounmpo on the floor.

After this incident, the Pacers banned John Haliburton from attending games. NBA legend Charles Barkley believes the ban should end.

Barkley calls for an end to the ban

After the Pacers stunned the Knicks with a Game 1 victory in the Eastern Conference Finals, Barkley mentioned Haliburton’s dad on Inside the NBA.

“It’s time to let Mr. Haliburton back in the building,” Barkley said. “Adam, I’m asking you, hey, my man paid his dues. He did something really, really stupid, but he’s been punished.

“He’s been punished enough,” Barkley continued. “He will never do something that stupid again.”

Barkley is right. Clearly, Haliburton’s dad made a mistake by confronting Antetokounmpo on the floor. He has apologized for his actions and it’s time to move forward.

The NBA should allow him to attend Pacers’ home games and cheer on his son, who is playing the best basketball of his career.

Will the NBA listen to Barkley and end the ban? Or will John Haliburton have to continue to watch games from his home?

Game 2 tips off Friday at 8:00 PM EST.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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