Tyrese Haliburton's Father Addresses Giannis Antetokounmpo Incident

John came under fire for taunting Giannis Antetokounmpo after the game. He appeared to have some words for the Bucks superstar and even waved a towel at him.

Antetokounmpo described John's behavior as disrespectful, and that sentiment was echoed by plenty in the aftermath. It was an ugly incident and was just a terrible look.

Not long after Antetokounmpo made those comments, John issued a public apology for his actions. He apologized to Antetokounmpo, the Bucks, and the Pacers, and vowed he won't make that mistake again.

That seemed to be the end of that, but John has now defended himself by claiming he never had any intention of disrespecting Antetokounmpo. He explained his side of the story during an exclusive interview with TMJ4 News.

"When I turned, it might have seemed like I was looking at him, but I really wasn't," John said, via Ashley Washburn. "I was looking through him. That's how it was in the moment. I know it look like I was staring him down, but it wasn't like that."

John stated that his words weren't directed at Antetokounmpo and that the two said nothing to each other during that incident. When asked about the nine-time All-Star getting in his face later on, John revealed what they told each other.

"He grabbed my hands," John stated. "He put his forehead on my forehead, and he said, 'Don't disrespect me. Don't (expletive) disrespect me, ok?' And I said to him, 'I was not trying to disrespect you.' Which I wasn't. I'm telling you, I did not do that on purpose. I really did not."

John added that he then told Antetokounmpo that he loves him, and the Bucks superstar said the same in response. He appears adamant that this was all just a misunderstanding.