The Indiana Pacers got a thrilling win over the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals that sets them up nicely for Games 3 and 4 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. But NBA analyst Charles Barkley believes that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver can make those games better by changing a ruling on a certain punishment.
Following Game 1, Barkley made the case that Silver should rescind the playoff ban on John Haliburton, the father of Indiana Pacers superstar Tyrese Haliburton. A confrontation between Haliburton and Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo earlier in the playoffs led to a lot of negative media attention and Haliburton has not attended a game since.
Barkley believes that John Haliburton has “paid his dues” and that the punishment shouldn’t be indefinite. He feels that Haliburton should be allowed to attend Games 3 and 4 at Gainbridge.
“Hey, my man paid his dues,” Barkley said on TNT. “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.”
Charles Barkley asks Adam Silver to let John Haliburton (father of Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton) back in the arena for Games 3 and 4.
“He paid his dues. It shouldn’t be indefinite. He’s been punished enough. He would never do anything that stupid again.” pic.twitter.com/E4McKuPjQ0
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 22, 2025
Adam Silver might not have much say over whether Haliburton gets to attend games since it appears to have been a team decision that he would not attend games. But Silver could probably nudge the Pacers in the direction if he’s so inclined.
NBA fans certainly agree that it’d be the right thing to let Haliburton back into the building. Though some maintain that he would probably wind up getting in trouble again:
“Considering the (expletive) he said on live after it happened, I think he absolutely is stupid enough to do it again,” one user remarked.
“I agree Charles! Thank you for doing that! You have a (heart). Let’s hope Silver! He should be able to watch his son play!” wrote another.
“I agree. He’s been punished enough,” a third wrote.
Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
“Charles Barkley is such a loser. He literally said Giannis is his favorite player and he should’ve punched Haliburton’s Dad. Now he’s changing his tone for what? (expletive) Haliburton and his (expletives) Dad. He ain’t paid (expletive). His dumb ass need to stay at Home.”
“Listen to Chuck, Adam Silver. Let John back in Pacers arena for Game 3 & 4.”
Do you think John Haliburton should be allowed back for Games 3 and 4?
Related: Punishment Announced For Father Of NBA Star Tyrese Haliburton