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Tyrese Haliburton’s Dad Should Be Suspended from NBA Arenas Indefinitely

Originally posted on The Lead | By Eric Peterson | Last updated Apr 30, 2025 6:10 PM ET

The Indiana Pacers eliminated the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night after a high-octane, back-and-forth heavyweight bout.

Undoubtedly the best game of the series, the Bucks had numerous opportunities to force a Game 6 in Milwaukee, but fumbled them all in critical fashion.

This included squandering a seven-point lead with 40 seconds left in overtime. Bad decision-making and a pair of high-school-esque turnovers sealed their fate.

Immediately after Gary Trent Jr.’s hail-mary full-court heave didn’t fall, we witnessed an incredulous scene.

Tyrese Haliburton’s Dad Approaches Giannis Undetained

John Haliburton, father of Tyrese Haliburton, stormed onto the court and approached Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was standing alone.

Here’s the reason why Giannis Antetokounmpo went after Tyrese Haliburton’s Dad.

Completely inexcusable behavior from a fan and father. Under no circumstances should this ever happen, yet alone in a first round matchup.
pic.twitter.com/kQJ0lLLsNQ

— Adam Bartoshevich (@adambarto20) April 30, 2025

Amid the chaos was Pat Connaughton, who rushed over to shove Haliburton away. This sideline view tells the full story.

Another angle and such a bad look for Halliburton’s dad. pic.twitter.com/sfzyCxoa60

— Karley Marotta (@Karley_Marotta) April 30, 2025

Many words can describe this behavior. Dangerous, heinous, absurd, idiotic, etc.— but they all come back to one word: embarrassing.

It’s embarrassing for a grown man to act like a child. It’s embarrassing that Pacers security was nowhere to be found during this. It’s embarrassing that the NBA failed to uphold its fan code of conduct.

Guests who attempt to enter the court will be immediately ejected from the arena.

John Haliburton and the NBA are incredibly fortunate that Giannis is who he is, especially during the highest of emotions on Tuesday night. Many NBA players surely wouldn’t take the same approach.

John Haliburton Should Be Suspended from NBA Arenas Indefinitely

All that aside, Haliburton should be suspended from all NBA arenas indefinitely, not just for their last remaining playoff series. If Adam Silver and the league office turn a blind eye, it opens a disastrous precedent.

2 things:

•Tyrese Halliburton’s dad must be suspended the rest of the playoffs.

•If more people were like Giannis, there would be more peace in the world. pic.twitter.com/wwIdWdHd38

— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) April 30, 2025

An unmoving and forced apology isn’t going to cut it.

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.

— John Haliburton (@PapaHaliburton) April 30, 2025