John Haliburton Banned from Pacers Games Indefinitely After Giannis Altercation

John Haliburton, the father of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, has been barred from attending Pacers games for the foreseeable future after a heated on-court confrontation with Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo following Game 5 of their playoff series. The incident involved John Haliburton taunting Antetokounmpo by waving a towel with his son's face and reportedly using disrespectful language, prompting intervention by team staff to prevent further escalation. Both Tyrese and John Haliburton, as well as the Pacers organization, have issued public apologies, acknowledging the inappropriateness of the behavior. Tyrese Haliburton stated his disapproval of his father's actions, emphasizing the importance of keeping basketball-related matters on the court and not involving family in such disputes. The decision to bar John Haliburton was reached collectively between him, his son, and the Pacers’ front office in an effort to prevent future incidents and demonstrate accountability. The Pacers will begin their Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the Cleveland Cavaliers without John Haliburton in attendance.