A second chance was given so a father can watch and be proud of his son. The NBA in concert with the Indiana Pacers, has lifted the ban on Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton’s father attending games. Haliburton’s dad, John, will attend the Pacers’ next home game against the New York Knicks.
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported the news on social media.
“Pops freed: Tyrese Haliburton’s father, John, will be allowed to attend Pacers home games in a suite beginning with Tuesday’s pivotal Game 4 against the Knicks, sources tell ESPN. John Haliburton missed eight games following a confrontation with Giannis Antetokounmpo on April 29.”
Haliburton’s dad has not been able to be in attendance for eight games following a confrontation with Milwaukee Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. After the Pacers eliminated Milwaukee from the playoffs in a gentleman’s sweep, Haliburton’s dad got up close and personal and in the face of the Bucks player. The two had to be separate, and he has missed games since.
According to Antetokounmpo, John Haliburton walked toward the Bucks star waving a towel and swearing at him in a “disrespectful” exchange.
Antetokounmpo has said that he talked with John Haliburton after the skirmish and that “we’re in a good place.”
John Haliburton apologized on social media shortly after the game, writing: “I sincerely apologize to Giannis, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Pacers organization for my actions following tonight’s game. This was not a good reflection on our sport, or my son and I will not make that mistake again.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThis has been one of the most controversial storylines following the Pacers’ playoff run due to the hype surrounding the team. But it seems that the Pacers believe he has served his time and been apologetic and will now be able to see his son play in person again.
Indiana has provided him with a suite, likely to avoid any problems or issues coming up. But this is huge news, and the Pacers should be fired up and excited to have him return.
NBA legend and basketball analyst Charles Barkley spearheaded the call for the league to allow Haliburton’s dad back days ago. And now it seems that Barkley is getting his wish.
“It’s time to let Mr. Haliburton back in the building,” said Barkley. “Adam, I’m asking you… Hey, my man paid his dues. He did something really, really stupid. But 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. Listen, he paid his dues. It shouldn’t be indefinite. He’s been punished enough; he will never do anything that stupid again.”
The Pacers currently lead the Eastern Conference Finals 2-1, and they will be coming off a 20-point collapse in Game 3. Indiana let their foot off the gas down the stretch late in the third quarter, and New York was able to do just enough to squeak out the six-point victory.
Game 4 should be even better edge-of-your-seat quality, and these two teams and rivals match up extremely well against each other. With Haliburton’s dad in the building, the Pacers will likely be ready to show what they can do.
