Syracuse, N.Y. — Former Syracuse fullback Keith “Thump” Belton was fired by the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks in an overhaul of their training staff, according to ESPN.
The Mavericks were ravaged by injuries this season, most notably to Luka Doncic at Christmas, Anthony Davis in February and Kyrie Irving shortly after that. As a result, general manager Nico Harrison fired Belton and head trainer Dionne Calhoun.
Belton, the team’s athletic performance director, had more than those injuries hanging over his head, though. He reportedly had tension with director of health and performance Johann Bilsborough, who was not part of Wednesday’s firings.
The Mavericks’ human relations department investigated a heated confrontation between Belton and Bilsborough earlier in the season, according to the report. The conflict stemmed from a workout center Dereck Lively II went through during recovery, according to the report.
ESPN also reported earlier this spring Belton did not have the certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association that are required by the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement when the Mavericks hired him away from UCLA last summer.
Belton was a two-time letterwinner during his three-year tenure from 2001-03 at Syracuse after transferring from Northeast Mississippi Community College.
Belton was a team captain in 2003 alongside quarterback R.J. Anderson and linebacker Rich Scanlon. Belton was the lead blocker that season for running back Walter Reyes, who finished fourth in the Big East with 1,347 yards and second in the conference with 20 touchdowns.
Belton then spent four seasons in the NFL, playing for the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos before moving on to athletic training.
Belton holds certifications from The Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association.
He previously worked as an assistant strength coach at USC and Washington under coach Steve Sarkisian and worked at Baylor, overlapping with Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III and former Syracuse football head coach Dino Babers.
Now, Belton is back on the market as the Mavericks continue a headline-filled 2025 that included the shocking trade of Doncic.
