Tyrese Haliburton says it’s shingles, not Pringles, causing his recent weight gain.
The Pacers star went viral over the weekend after he looked noticeably thicker in a photo his team posted on social media, and on Monday, he explained he’s packed on some pounds due to his recent bout with shingles.
Haliburton told Pat McAfee on “The Pat McAfee Show” that he’s been battling the medical condition — which causes a painful rash and other miserable symptoms — for about eight weeks, and medication he’s been taking to deal with the issue has resulted in serious hunger pangs.
Tyrese Haliburton caused a stir on social media over the weekend. Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
“I’ve switched my meds like three times and I’ve got a Botox injection,” said Haliburton, who revealed his face has been impacted the most by the virus.
“None of it has helped. And the new meds, a side of effect of the meds is that I’m always hungry and weight gain. So, it’s making me gain weight.”
Fans teased Haliburton relentlessly for his appearance after Indiana shared a picture of the 26-year-old prior to its Friday night matchup with the 76ers.
Tyrese Haliburton has not played since the 2025 NBA Finals after he tore his Achilles. AP
One remark that particularly struck a chord with the shooting guard was commenters calling him “Tyrese Haliburger.”
“They’re killing me on social media,” Haliburton told McAfee.
However, the two-time All-Star seemed to be a good sport about it all, as he had a big smile throughout his talk with the ESPN personality.
He did, though, note in a separate meeting with reporters earlier Monday that his eye has been swollen for most of the last two months — and he’s even “lost part of my eyebrow.”
“It’s been trash,” he said. “It’s been trash.”
The good news for Haliburton is he said he’s back to working out again and participating in 5-on-5 playing sessions. And, with the Pacers’ season now over, he has several months to get better before it’s time to officially get back on the hardwood.
