Tyrese Haliburton celebrates with his dad after a win.
© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Tyrese Haliburton’s dad was banned from NBA games due to his action on the court following an Indiana Pacers playoff win over the Milwaukee Bucks. He was not in attendance for the team’s most recent thriller against the Knicks.
Indiana overcame a massive deficit to shock New York in overtime. John Haliburton was forced to celebrate from a bar as opposed to with his son.
After conversations with Tyrese Haliburton’s father John Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers front office, John Haliburton will not attend the team’s home and road games for the foreseeable future, a Pacers spokesperson told ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 1, 2025
The ban came following a first round NBA Playoff matchup in Indianapolis. Much like they did on Wednesday, the Pacers were able to dig themselves out of a huge hole late to win Game 5.
That victory clinched the series for Indiana. John Haliburton’s emotions got the best of him.
He rushed onto the court and quickly confronted Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. He and his son later apologized, but the damage had been done.
The league banned Tyrese Haliburton’s dad from attending games “for the foreseeable future.” It included both home and road contests. The length of that punishment remains unclear, but most expect it could last throughout the remainder of the postseason.
Unable to attend his son’s latest matchup, he was forced to watch at a local watering hole. John Haliburton was spotted emulating the Reggie Miller chokehold after seeing Tyrese do the same.
Hali daddy in here clowning 😂 YES’CERSSSS @Pacers pic.twitter.com/s3dUO5FmmE
— Nurse Ky👩🏽⚕️ (@pplcallme_Ky) May 22, 2025
Charles Barkley wants Tyrese Haliburton’s dad’s ban lifted.
He spoke on the topic after the Pacers’ incredible win. He plans on reaching out to NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
“It’s time to let Mr. Haliburton back in the building. Adam, I’m asking you. My man paid his dues. He did something really, really stupid, and he’s been punished. I’m asking you and the Indiana Pacers to let Mr. Haliburton back in the building for Games 3 and 4.
“He paid his dues. It shouldn’t be indefinite. He’s been punished enough. He’ll never do anything that stupid again. Adam, you know how much I love you… Y’all let Mr. Haliburton back in the building.”
–Charles Barkley
Barkley doesn’t believe the indefinite punishment fits the crime. John Haliburton did something dumb. He missed all of Round 2 as a result. Barkley insists he should be allowed back into games for the Eastern Conference Finals, and potentially, the NBA Finals.
We’ll see if Adam Silver hears Charles Barkley’s pleas. The ECF series is set to move to Indianapolis after Game 2.