Pacers Head Coach Discusses Postgame Altercation

INDIANAPOLIS–Indiana Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle said Wednesday that he spoke with Tyrese Haliburton’s father, John, about his confrontation with Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo after the Pacers eliminated Milwaukee from the playoffs Tuesday night.

After the game was over and the Pacers emerged victorious, videos on social media quickly surfaced of John Haliburton waving a flag with his son’s face on it in Antetokounmpo’s face. Antetokounmpo didn’t appreciate that and immediately got in John’s face. Both men were eventually separated from one another by Pacers and Bucks personnel.

“I spoke to John Haliburton last night. A lot of people in the organization did. He was very contrite about what happened. Obviously he got caught up in the moment last night, addressing it, apologizing to Giannis, apologizing to the Bucks, apologizing to the Pacers organization,” said Carlisle in an interview Wednesday on The Fan Morning Show on 93.5 and 107.5 The Fan.

Carlisle acknowledged that, John, like most parents want to embrace their children’s great moments.

“He clearly was carried away by this moment and he assured everyone that nothing like this will ever happen again. I take him at his word on that. I’m very sorry that those events happened, and so is he. I want everyone to know that this is a guy with a heart of gold, and the one thing he loves close to his son, is the Pacers. But, it can’t manifest the way that it did, and he knows that,” said Carlisle.

Tyrese Haliburton also acknowledged his father’s actions after Tuesday’s victory and said his father was out of line and that he had spoken with him about it.

“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,” said John Haliburton in a social media post.

The Pacers are headed to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. They face the Cleveland Cavaliers. Game 1 is Sunday.

Pacers Head Coach Discusses Postgame Altercation Between Giannis and John Haliburton  was originally published on wibc.com