Former high school teacher levels allegations against KU's Darrell Arthur
KU's national championship might be in jeopardy
Originally published 10:15 p.m., May 15, 2008
Updated 12:22 p.m., May 16, 2008
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Former South Oak Cliff math teacher Winford Ashmore says Arthur had a history of trouble in math. He showed WAFF his 2002 grade book for freshmen math in which Arthur was making weekly failing grades: 45, 25 and 24, according to the WFAA report. Arthur's transcripts show he received no grades at all his fall semester. His final grade was changed to a 70 in September of 2005 with no explanation of why. Learn more about how the news could effect his high school standings in this story from WFAA's Web site.
A report by Dallas television station WFAA alleges that Kansas University basketball forward Darrell Arthur was the beneficiary of improper grade-changing while in high school.
Now, NCAA Spokeswoman Jennifer Kerns said "forfeiture of games would be a possibility."
She did not specify if that meant high school and college games.
The report cites an interview with Winford Ashmore, Arthur’s former math teacher at South Oak Cliff High in Dallas. The report, which ran Thursday night, said Arthur twice had a math grade changed — once almost two years after it was recorded.
James Mays, Arthur’s basketball coach at South Oak Cliff, told the Lawrence Journal-World on Thursday that there was no wrongdoing and that one of Arthur’s grades was changed due to a teacher error.
“Totally ludicrous,” Mays said of the report. “We’ve been fighting this with (WFAA) since last year.”
It’s unlikely the new allegations, if true, will have an impact on Kansas. Arthur was declared eligible by the NCAA prior to enrolling at KU in 2006.
KU associate athletic director Jim Marchiony said Thursday that officials were aware of WFAA’s story and added that the Dallas Independent School District is looking into the allegations.
“Until they finish and come up with some facts,” Marchiony said, “we can’t say anything.”
Arthur led South Oak Cliff to state championships in 2005 and 2006. The ’06 title later was forfeited after it was determined that one of Arthur’s teammates was academically ineligible.
Arthur helped Kansas win the national championship last month. He since has declared for the NBA Draft but has not hired an agent, leaving open the possibility of returning to KU.
Tune in tonight to 49 News at 10 for more details about the NCAA eligibility process.
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