Tyrese Haliburton’s Dad Apologizes To Giannis Antetokounmpo

“Losing a game, emotions run high,” Antetokounmpo said after the Bucks’ season ended. “Having a fan — which at the moment, I thought he was a fan and then I realized, it was Tyrese’s dad. I love Tyrese. He’s a great competitor. (Tyrese’s dad) coming on the floor and showing me his son’s towel and saying, ‘This is what we do. This is what we effing do. This is what the eff we do.’ I feel like that’s very, very disrespectful.

“Having somebody’s dad — and I’m happy for him and I’m happy for his son and I’m happy that he’s happy for his son, that’s how he’s supposed to feel — but coming to me and disrespecting me and cursing at me is totally unacceptable. Totally unacceptable. I’m not a guy that points fingers because in my neighborhood snitches get stitches, so I don’t want to say something for him to get fined or anything, but it’s not respectful. I talked with him at the end. And I think we’re in a good place.”

Tyrese, who hit the game-winning shot in Game 5, told reporters after Game 5 that what his dad did was wrong. 

“As far as the incident between Giannis and my pops, I had no idea it happened until I got to the back (and) was shown the video,” Tyrese said. “Me and my pops have talked about that, and I don’t agree with what transpired there from him. I think basketball is basketball and let’s keep it on the court.”

The Pacers will face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round. Don’t expect Haliburton’s dad to misbehave again.