School officials have launched an investigation into Bellport High School's grading practices after allegations that a football star's grades were changed so he could qualify for an athletic scholarship at Syracuse University.

Four-year starter Ryan Sloan, who helped his high school team win back-to-back Long Island championships, is now playing defensive tackle at Syracuse, but it has been alleged that he could not have gotten there without some help from his teachers.

According to the New York Post, the claim comes from former Bellport High School Principal Kevin O'Connell, who says he was fired because he wouldn't pressure teachers to change Sloan's grades from failing to passing.

The Post reported that O'Connell said Joe Cipp, Jr., the school's longtime football coach and the district's superintendent, pushed staff to boost the football player's math grades so he could get a scholarship.

Cipp, who recently retired from his coaching job, issued statements denying the charge, but said he's ordering a full review of academic practices at the high school.