John Haliburton’s courtside clash with Giannis sparks debate -- but Wisconsin locals urge perspective

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- When John Haliburton got into a heated exchange with Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo during Tuesday night’s high-stakes Game 5 showdown between the Bucks and Indiana Pacers, the moment quickly lit up social media and sports talk shows.

But in Oshkosh, Wisconsin — where the Haliburton family has deep roots — reactions are more nuanced.

CBS 58 spoke to someone who knows the Haliburtons well: Mike Johnson, the former head coach at Oshkosh West, who coached against Tyrese for three seasons.

“I look over and his dad’s hooting and hollering and fist-pumping — it wasn’t fun,” Johnson said with a laugh. “That’s not very enjoyable, but at the same time, that’s harmless stuff, right?”

From 2015 to 2018, Johnson’s teams faced Tyrese Haliburton’s squad twice a year — and John was always there, loud and proud in the stands.

“They beat us every time,” Johnson said. “But Tyrese and John could’ve been vocal and outspoken with me, kind of rubbed it in my face, but my interactions with John have always been very positive.”

That’s why Johnson was caught off guard when he saw Tuesday’s interaction between John Haliburton and Giannis.

“I was like, ‘Wow. That was a pretty assertive moment,’” he said.

Tyrese Haliburton later said he did not support his father’s actions, and John has since apologized. But Johnson says there’s important context.

“He’s also been hearing Bucks fans call his kid overrated — and who knows what else — for a five-game series,” Johnson said.

To Johnson, it’s clear John got caught up in the moment — but that doesn’t change who he’s known him to be.

“Tyrese is a great individual. He’s been incredible for our community,” he said. “So John’s a big part of that, and I don’t think that should get lost in it.”

It’s a moment that’s not just sparking debate in the NBA — but also highlighting a growing concern across all levels of sports: fan behavior.

Just this week, the WIAA — Wisconsin’s high school sports governing body — passed new rules to address it. Starting now, if a fan is ejected from a game, they’ll be automatically suspended for the next one and must complete a sportsmanship course before returning to the stands.

So yes — John Haliburton crossed a line on Tuesday night. But a former bitter rival says he may also deserve a little grace.