Haliburton’s father addresses his incident with Antetokounmpo

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Tyrese Haliburton’s father addresses his incident with Giannis Antetokounmpo

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Apr 30, 2025 11:39 AM ET

Tyrese Haliburton’s father issued an apology for his role in a postgame confrontation with Giannis Antetokounmpo following the Indiana Pacers’ 119-118 overtime win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday.

John Haliburton took to X to apologize to Antetokounmpo after their confrontation at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis following the Pacers’ series-clinching win.

"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 wrote.

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

Video showed the elder Haliburton walking onto the court following Indiana’s win and seeking out Antetokounmpo to taunt him.

Antetokounmpo labeled the interaction "disrespectful." Tyrese Haliburton said his father’s actions were wrong and that he planned to reach out to Antetokounmpo to apologize for the situation.

Antetokounmpo was also involved in a separate scuffle with Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin following the game, as the Bucks were eliminated in five games.

There is a clear consensus that Haliburton’s father crossed a line in the moment, and he seems to realize it himself. The situation created a fairly unsavory scene for the Pacers in what should have been a triumphant moment for the team.

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

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