DALLAS -- Officials are investigating whether Kansas basketball star Darrell Arthur was eligible to play in high school, which could affect whether he should have ever played for the national champion Jayhawks, according to a television report.
South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, which already has forfeited its 2006 title because of improperly altered grades for another player, is investigating whether Arthur's grades also were improperly altered, WFAA-TV in Dallas-Fort Worth reported.
The 6-foot-9 Kansas sophomore was second on the NCAA champion Jayhawks in scoring at 12.8 points a game and second in rebounding. He has applied for early entry into the NBA draft.
According to a former teacher and transcripts obtained by WFAA, Arthur was not passing math as a junior but his grade was changed without the teacher's knowledge.
The Dallas Independent School District issued a statement on Friday that indicated an initial report on the investigation may be forthcoming soon.
The "district has engaged the Collegiate Sports Practice Group at Bond, Schoeneck and King, led by Michael S. Glazier, to conduct an independent review of the district's existing policies, procedures and practices regarding student academic eligibility with a particular focus on athletics," the statement said. "The initial review is nearly complete and the district is awaiting a briefing from Mr. Glazier's review team regarding findings and recommendations for best practices."
Arthur was one of the nation's top recruits out of high school. The McDonald's All-American led South Oak Cliff to consecutive state titles, earning tournament MVP honors both times.
The station said the NCAA told its reporter that if a player is found to be ineligible, his college team might have to forfeit any or all games involving that student.
The NCAA told ESPN.com's Andy Katz that for Arthur to be ineligible, there would have to be evidence that Arthur or Kansas knew or should have known about the changed grade.
"This is something that happened in high school," Kansas associate athletic director Jim Marchiony said. "Everything that is discussed right now is speculation. I know the media and fans like to speculate, but that's not something we participate in."
Marchiony said high schools send athletes' transcripts to the NCAA, which determines whether an athlete is eligible to play in college. Because the NCAA declared Arthur eligible, Kansas would not have known about any grading problems in high school, he said.
"I believe that the school district is looking into it," Marchiony said. "Right now, the only thing any of us can do is wait to see the result of that process."
Kansas coach Bill Self said the investigation needs to play out.
"We are aware of the allegations as described in the news story," Self said. "I'm sure the high school and the school district will do a good job determining the facts. It would be premature and inappropriate for anyone to comment any further until the process in Dallas takes its course."
Self told the Kansas City Star that Arthur's academic standing at Kansas has been "very strong."
Information from The Associated Press was included in this report