Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

How Did Stephen A. Smith React to Tyrese Haliburton's Father's Mistake?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lance Roberson | Last updated Apr 30, 2025 5:27 PM ET

Hearing Stephen A. Smith's opinion on the John Haliburton vs. Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo skirmish was inevitable. The ESPN First Take star addressed the situation in a serious tone, suggesting that the NBA bang the gavel on Haliburton's father for his run-in with Antetokounmpo.

Haliburton's father posted an apology directed at the Indiana Pacers and Antetokounmpo on Tuesday night, following his son's series-winning layup in the 119-118 Game 5 overtime victory over the Bucks.

However, posting a message on social media isn't enough to match his actions, in Smith's opinion.

Smith, typically emoting in an explosive, bombastic nature, took the mature approach when discussing Haliburton's father and his jarring mistake.

“The league can and the league should [punish John Haliburton],” Smith said on Wednesday’s episode of First Take. “Now, Mr. Haliburton, I don’t know him. I’ve met him once or twice. Obviously, he’s a passionate fan of his son and obviously he’s an incredibly supportive father. But I think that this should go down as one of the most embarrassing moments of his life. He should be ashamed of himself.”

Given Haliburton's reputation in the league as an "overrated" player, his father did him no favors disrespectfully antagonizing one of the best players in the league. Now, with the Pacers in the spotlight, for the wrong reasons, despite crushing the Bucks in five games, ther franchise must deal with the ripple effects of a 70-year-old man insisting on poking the bear of a NBA player in his prime.

Follow All Pacers to see how the NBA responds to Haliburton's father storming the court to press Antetokounmpo's buttons.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: