Dennis Haskins dies: His ties to Vols, Mocs basketball

Actor and former Chattanooga basketball player Dennis Haskins died on Sunday. He was 75. Haskins was best known for his acting role of a school principal, Richard Belding, on the TV show "Saved by the Bell." The show broadcast from 1989-93 on NBC. He played for the Moccasins as a walk-on during his

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Actor and former Chattanooga basketball player Dennis Haskins died on Sunday. He was 75.

Haskins was best known for his acting role of a school principal, Richard Belding, on the TV show "Saved by the Bell." The show broadcast from 1989-93 on NBC.

He played for the Moccasins as a walk-on during his freshman year. The Chattanooga

, Tennessee native tried out for the Vols before playing at Chattanooga. Haskins did not make Tennessee's basketball roster.

He was also a cheerleader at Chattanooga.

Haskins left the Moccasins after one year to pursue a career in entertainment. During his acting career, he also made appearances on "The Dukes of Hazzard" and "Magnum, P.I."

Haskins was a devoted fan of Chattanooga athletics and often returned for athletic events,

while also helping the Moccasins have their games televised.

He returned to Chattanooga in 2015 and earned a bachelor’s degree in theatre at 65.

We are deeply saddened about the passing of UTC alum and everyone's favorite principal, Dennis Haskins (aka Mr. Belding). 💔

Dennis played basketball at UTC in his freshman year before leaving to pursue a career in entertainment. He returned in 2015 to officially earn his… pic.twitter.com/tgyxliTe2p

— Chattanooga Basketball (@GoMocsMBB) September 29, 2026