Tyrese Haliburton’s father, John Haliburton, had been banned from attending any Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks games. The decision came after his on-court altercation with Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Since the incident, John has not been present for any of the Pacers’ home or road playoff games.
However, it now appears the Pacers have softened their stance. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the team has given John Haliburton clearance to return, at least partially.
“John Haliburton will still remain away from Pacers road games, but he will be back to watch his son Tyrese and the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse starting with Tuesday’s contest,” Charania reported.
John Haliburton will still remain away from Pacers road games, but he will be back to watch his son Tyrese and the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse starting with Tuesday's contest. https://t.co/cxl6GRK5Tb
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 26, 2025
The decision seems to reflect the team’s willingness to support their star player. Following the Pacers’ Game 2 win, Tyrese Haliburton publicly voiced his hope that the ban on his father would be lifted. Even NBA legend Charles Barkley added his voice to show his support for Haliburton’s father during the playoff stretch.
Social Media Flooded With Memes After Tyrese Haliburton’s Father Reinstated For Home Games
Fans reacted with a mix of humor and bold predictions after learning that John Haliburton would be allowed to attend home games again.
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One fan shared a meme showing a man with his mouth taped shut, captioned to suggest, “Haliburton’s dad showing up to Game 4 like.”
Haliburton’s dad showing up to game 4 like pic.twitter.com/Yo8SaJpQQw
— iamtheREALMURPHDAWG (@RealMurphdog916) May 26, 2025
Another fan posted a video clip of Haliburton dancing with his father, celebrating the announcement in a joyful fashion.
🚨 TYRESE HALIBURTON’S DAD IS ALLOWED BACK IN THE ARENA pic.twitter.com/osvOu32zim
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) May 26, 2025
Some fans took the opportunity to make strong predictions about Tyrese Haliburton’s next performance.
“Oh it’s over Hali is dropping 40,” one fan declared.
Oh it’s over Hali is dropping 40
— PACERS_ON_TOP (@HochsteinTanner) May 26, 2025
“This just confirms the Pacers are making the finals to me,” added another optimistic supporter.
This just confirms the Pacers are making the finals to me
— Halestorm Sports (@TheRealEvanHale) May 26, 2025
Not all fans were optimistic, though.
“Lol if he tries to do what he did to Giannis to someone like Brunson, he will get beaten up so badly,” a fan commented with a warning of potential repeat behavior.
lol if he tries to do what he did to giannis to someone like brunson he will get beaten up so badly
— Colin (@We_Are_Sailing) May 26, 2025
Game 4 between the Pacers and the Knicks is scheduled for Tuesday. Indiana is currently leading the series 2-1.
