Almost everyone across the NBA is aware of the tense incident that took place during Game 5 of the playoffs between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers. In that game, Tyrese Haliburton’s father, John Haliburton, got into a heated argument with Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Following the confrontation, the Indiana Pacers made the decision to ban John from attending the remainder of the season.
For Tyrese Haliburton, the punishment has been deeply upsetting. After the Pacers secured a victory in Game 2, Haliburton took a moment to express his desire for the ban on his father to be reconsidered. In the post-game interview, he issued a heartfelt message for his father.
“Free Pops till it’s backwards,” Haliburton said.
"Free Pops till it's backwards."
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 24, 2025
Chuck and Hali want to see John Haliburton in the building for Game 3 🤣 pic.twitter.com/PgP2lhGthD
Although he shared the message with a smile, it’s clear that the situation has weighed heavily on him. Even though John Haliburton publicly apologized for his actions, the NBA has so far upheld the Pacers’ decision to keep the ban in place.
Charles Barkley Urges NBA To Reinstate Tyrese Haliburton’s Father
NBA legend Charles Barkley has also voiced support for Tyrese Haliburton’s father. Barkley urged that John should be given another chance to attend games.
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“It’s time to let Mr. Haliburton back in the building, Adam, I’m asking you, hey, my man paid his dues. He did something really, really stupid, but he’s been punished. He paid his dues. It shouldn’t be indefinite. He’s been punished enough. He would never do anything that stupid again,” Barkley said.
Although the decision to ban John was made by the Pacers, not the NBA, Commissioner Adam Silver may still be in a position to influence the outcome. With the Pacers currently leading the conference finals 2-0, all eyes will be on whether the organization chooses to respond to both Haliburton’s and Barkley’s appeals for leniency.
Also Read: Tyrese Haliburton Calls Team USA Snub An “Ego Check,” But Says He Chose To Laugh With Everyone Else
