23 Feb 2009
2005 Boys Basketball Title Forfeited Because Ineligible Students Played
DALLAS–An independent law firm engaged by the Dallas Independent School District to review allegations of improper grade changing related to student athletes at South Oak Cliff High School has completed its review.
Among its findings, the firm of Feldman, Rogers, Morris & Grover LLP of Houston determined that three players were academically ineligible to participate in the 2004-05 boys basketball playoffs. As a result, Dallas ISD has notified the University Interscholastic League that the 2005 state championship earned on the court by South Oak Cliff will be forfeited.
"It is very disappointing to take this action but it is, unfortunately, the penalty that is required under UIL rules," said Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa. "We are committed to having an athletic program that follows all state laws, UIL policies, as well as district policies and procedures to the letter. It should be noted that the 2007 and 2008 state championships earned by the South Oak Cliff boys basketball team remain intact."
A letter was sent to the UIL today requesting the forfeiture of the 2005 boys basketball state title.
The legal review also examined the issue of whether certain student-athletes properly earned course credit to enable them to graduate. The report indicates that, because of widespread misunderstanding of district policies, students who graduated years ago should not be deprived of course credit on their transcripts.
"To deprive students of the course credit they thought they had earned would visit the 'sins' of the faculty and the school's administration at the time upon the students," said attorney David Feldman, whose firm conducted the review. "There was a culture at the school that allowed students-and not just student athletes-to pass their courses by turning in work after the six-weeks grading period. This was an inappropriate practice."
The report concurred with a finding by another firm relating to student athlete eligibility issues that there is widespread misunderstanding within the district regarding the content and correct application of athletic eligibility rules, regulations, policies and procedures. It also called for additional training relating to rules governing athletic eligibility.