Apr 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) head butt Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) in the second quarter during game four of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images The Indiana Pacers should’ve been celebrating a first-round victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday evening, but star guard Tyrese Haliburton’s dad decided to make it all about himself.
We’ve all heard of WAGs — wives and girlfriends — surrounding professional athletes, but NBA fathers have taken a front seat in recent years. From LaVar Ball getting his children into the league to Tee Morant being ejected from a Memphis Grizzlies game for arguing with referees, the NBA dads are here to stay.
Haliburton’s dad, John Haliburton, stole the headlines Tuesday when he went toe-to-toe with Giannis Antetokounmpo after the Pacers defeated the Bucks in five games.
“I feel like that’s very, very disrespectful,” Antetokounmpo said after the game. “My dad used to come into the family room and was the most respectful person ever.”
Antetokounmpo’s father passed away in 2017, but the Greek Freak referenced him at length during his postgame media availability because of how disrespected he felt after the defeat.
The fact of the matter is, Tyrese Haliburton beat the Milwaukee Bucks — not John Haliburton. He’s not in the NBA. Never was. Never will be.
Fans are in the stands for a reason. And while he did issue an apology to Antetokounmpo and the Bucks on social media Wednesday, the NBA will likely fine him the same way it would punish any fan who entered the field of play.
“Me and my pops have talked about that, and I don’t agree with what transpired there from him,” Haliburton said. “I think basketball is basketball, and let’s keep it on the court.”
How embarrassing — an NBA All-Star had to discuss the poor behavior of his father after a major victory.
Of course, after the game, the controversial moment was covered at length on TNT’s postgame show. For some reason, Shaquille O’Neal attempted to defend Haliburton’s father.
“Giannis said something to him,” O’Neal said repeatedly.
“His dad is not supposed to be on the court!” Charles Barkley replied. “He’s an idiot, and you’re an idiot too.”
That’s really where the debate ends. It does not matter who started it. Fans yell things onto the court literally all the time. Every single night, NBA players deal with heckling fans. But things cross the line when those fans enter the court — even if they are a parent of a player.
This isn’t AAU. It’s not CYO. Just because you’re a parent doesn’t mean you can walk right onto the floor. It’s bizarre that NBA security didn’t interfere sooner.
The Pacers’ first-round victory earns them a matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers. That series starts Sunday, with the winner punching a ticket to the Eastern Conference finals.
Here’s to hoping all the parents stay in check.
