You know who didn’t make the game plan for the Pacers’ shocking 2–0 lead over the Knicks? Tyrese Haliburton’s dad. But the man sure made the broadcast. After stealing Game 1 in Madison Square Garden behind Tyrese’s 31 points and deeply personal dagger shots, Indiana returned for Game 2 and did it again. This time, without needing Haliburton to be the hero.

And the postgame? Tyrese turned the national set into a family group chat. “Free Pops till it’s backwards,” he grinned on live TV as Charles Barkley practically collapsed laughing. “Free, free your dad!!” Barkley screamed. The vibes were impeccable. And the story behind that line? Oh, it’s very real. Because yes, Tyrese Haliburton’s father, John Haliburton, was banned from playoff games after an on-court run-in with none other than Giannis Antetokounmpo. So how’d he go from league exile to watching Game 4 from a Gainbridge suite?

Why did John Haliburton get suspended? A look into his altercation with Giannis Antetokounmpo

John Haliburton isn’t your average basketball dad. He’s a former women’s basketball coach, a longtime referee, and a man who knows the rhythm of the game in his bones. But even he couldn’t resist the moment when the Pacers eliminated the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round on April 29.

After the buzzer, John, towel in hand, his son’s face painted across it, made his way courtside and waved it near Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks star, clearly not amused after a heartbreaking playoff loss, exchanged words with John in a moment that quickly went viral. Heated? A little. Humorous? Not to the NBA, and surely not to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Because according to him, John mocked him and said, “This is what we do. This is what we effing do. This is what the eff we do.”

Soon after, John and Tyrese issued apologies. “I sincerely apologize to Giannis, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Pacers organization for my actions following tonight’s game,” John said in a statement. “This was not a good reflection on our sport or my son, and I will not make that mistake again.” Tyrese made amends by saying post-game that John, his father, “was not in the right.” 

Though John continued, giving a glimpse into his interaction with Giannis after the towel flaunt as the former MVP “grabbed his hand.” He said, “He grabbed my hands, he put his forehead on my forehead, and he said ‘Don’t disrespect me, don’t effing disrespect me, okay?’ And I said to him, ‘I wasn’t trying to disrespect you’, which I wasn’t. I’m telling you, I did not do that on purpose. I really did not”.

Despite what initially appeared to be a heated exchange, both Giannis and John wrapped up their conversation with a show of genuine sportsmanship, exchanging a heartfelt “Love you” before parting ways.

The Pacers took swift action, barring John from attending all playoff games, home and road. It was a blow to the Haliburton family, especially with Indiana on a roll. But if you thought Tyrese would just let that go quietly? Boy, do we have news waiting for you ahead!

How did John Haliburton return from his suspension?

Game 2 vs. New York wasn’t just a statement win. It was also a moment of defiance. When Tyrese Haliburton turned to the camera and joked, “Free Pops till it’s backwards,” it lit up the NBA world. And that’s when Charles Barkley, live on TNT, decided to go full campaign manager.

“It’s time to let Mr. Haliburton back in the building,” Barkley said. “Adam, I’m asking you. The 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 him back in the building for Games 3 and 4.”

And lo and behold, it worked. John Haliburton is now allowed to attend the Pacers’ remaining home games in the Eastern Conference Finals, though he’s still banned from road games. He’ll watch from a suite at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, but make no mistake, he’s back in the building, folks.

Well, is there an actual basketball impact here? That’s for the stat heads. But if you’ve watched the way Tyrese Haliburton has played since “Free Pops” hit the airwaves, it sure feels like something clicked.

What does John Haliburton do for a living?

John’s not just famous for going viral or getting banned. As of May 2025, he’s a working referee and a former women’s basketball coach, per People magazine. He coached Tyrese when he was a kid, laid the foundation for his son’s high IQ game, and remains active on social media under the handle @johnhaliburton, though his Instagram account remains private.

If there’s a better story in the NBA right now than a father–son duo rising through playoff chaos, we haven’t heard it. And look, in the postseason, rituals matter. Narratives matter. Belief matters. Whether it’s superstition or support, every edge counts. Some teams bring mascots. Others wear lucky shoes. The Pacers? They’ve got a courtside dad who once got suspended for trolling a two-time MVP… and now he’s back with a vengeance.

So here we are. A son lighting up the playoffs, dad back in the building. And a franchise chasing history. The Pacers lead the Knicks 2–1 with Game 4 looming large in Indy, and the Haliburton family energy is suddenly part of the storyline, whether the NBA planned on it or not.

Because if the basketball gods are real… and you know they love a full-circle moment, then John Haliburton returning courtside might not just be poetic, but prophetic. And the Knicks? They’d better bring more than chants. Because the Fieldhouse is loud, the karma is loud, and now… Pops is back.