Dallas South Oak Cliff High is forfeiting its 2005 state boys basketball championship after an independent investigation determined that grades for three players were improperly changed from failing to passing, Dallas ISD superintendent Michael Hinojosa said Friday.

Former Kansas University forward Darrell Arthur of the Memphis Grizzlies was a junior on that team and also one of the three players who, according to WFAA, had grades changed on the same day — Feb. 23, 2005, days before the state title game. The other two were Baylor’s Kevin Rogers and Eastfield College’s Kendrake Johnigan.

“It’s not a bright day for us, but nevertheless, it’s something that had to be done, and that is the truth, and that’s what we have dealt with,” Hinojosa told WFAA on Friday.

A WFAA investigation prompted DISD to call for an external review by the Houston law firm Feldman, Rogers. The firm found “a clear case of ineligibility,” attorney David Feldman told WFAA.

The Associated Press in Dallas indicated Arthur, Rogers and Johnigan “are not accused of wrongdoing.”

In addition, WFAA indicated that “though it has been determined that Arthur did not pass or complete at least one of his required classes, DISD will not pursue revocation of his high school diploma.”

Earlier it had been reported that Arthur’s college eligibility might be questioned had he not passed enough required courses to graduate.

“The only think I can say is Kansas, like all NCAA member schools, receives its information about eligibility of prospects through the NCAA Eligibility Center,” KU associate athletic director Jim Marchiony said. “After receiving Darrell Arthur’s transcripts from high school, the NCAA deemed him eligible to compete at any NCAA school. As in the case with any student-athlete, Darrell played at KU based on that information. Kansas bases its decisions on what the NCAA Eligibility Center says. To me, it is strictly a Dallas School District issue, not one that involves the University of Kansas.”

The 2005 state championship title will be awarded to San Antonio Sam Houston.