An investigation by Dallas Independent School District’s Office of Professional Responsibility concluded this week that allegations of improper grade changing involving South Oak Cliff High’s 2005 and 2007 boys state championship basketball teams are unfounded.
The DISD report found no impropriety as it related to grade changes during the two state-title seasons.
It had been alleged by a South Oak Cliff High teacher that Kansas University’s Darrell Arthur had his grades changed in a math class his junior year (2004-05) to retain his eligibility.
That alleged grade change – had it been confirmed by the DISD – would have made him ineligible to play for South Oak Cliff’s 2004-05 state title team. It would have forced the school to forfeit its title and also may have called into question Arthur’s collegiate eligibility.
“The Office of Professional Responsibility has thoroughly investigated these claims, and it is gratifying to see that administrators, teachers, coaches and student-athletes respected the rules,” DISD school superintendent Michael Hinojosa said.
“It is a privilege for students to be able to participate in interscholastic athletics, and our expectation is that everyone involved in our athletic program abide by the rules, policies and procedures as it relates to eligibility.”
A previous investigation proved improper grade changing of one of Arthur’s teammates in the ’05-’06 season and resulted in forfeiting of the state title.
Former South Oak Cliff math teacher Winford Ashmore last spring said Arthur’s grades in a math class were changed to keep Arthur eligible. Ashmore told the Journal-World on Friday that, as far as he is concerned, the case is not over.
That’s because he said he only spoke once to DISD investigators and claims no questions were asked of him specifically about Arthur.
“They are saying he was eligible to play in the ’05 season. What I’m saying is he did not get adequate credit to require for graduation and would not be eligible for his college team,” Ashmore said. “I am not one to try to make a big issue behind this. I will let this take its course.”
The issue appears to have taken its course, at least according to DISD.
KU coach Bill Self told the Journal-World the DISD findings did not surprise him.
Arthur repeatedly has denied the allegations.
“I have limited knowledge about this. The University of Kansas is not involved. This is something I’ve not been overly concerned about in large part because there’s not much we can do. This is concerning DISD. This is concerning them, and we were waiting for them to complete their investigation,” Self said. “Darrell can put this behind him. He has pride. It bothered him that anybody would say those things.”
KU associate athletic director Jim Marchiony added: “We are happy for Darrell because it’s his name and reputation that was questioned, and hopefully this will end that.”
