What You Need to Know
• Former Bucknell University strength and conditioning coach Mark Kulbis faces criminal charges in Calvin “C.J.” Dickey Jr.’s death.
• Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges of aggravated hazing and involuntary manslaughter related to the incident.
• The NCAA mandates screening for sickle-cell trait, which C.J. Dickey Jr. had, making him vulnerable to extreme workouts.
Former Bucknell University strength and conditioning coach Mark Kulbis is facing criminal charges in the death of Calvin “C.J.” Dickey Jr. after a football practice in 2024. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that Kulbis is charged with felony aggravated hazing and misdemeanor counts of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and hazing. Prosecutors allege that Kulbis subjected Dickey Jr. to extreme workouts despite being aware of his sickle-cell trait, which increases the risk associated with strenuous physical activity. The workout reportedly included 100 “up-downs,” and Dickey Jr. passed out during the drills, later dying in the hospital two days afterward. Kulbis left Bucknell approximately six months after the incident, and his attorney claims he is not responsible for the athlete’s death.
Why It Matters
This case highlights the serious implications of hazing and the responsibilities of coaches regarding athlete health and safety. The NCAA’s requirement for sickle-cell trait screening aims to prevent such tragedies, emphasizing the need for adherence to safety protocols. The Dickey family has since established the C.J. Dickey Foundation to raise awareness about sickle-cell trait education, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future. The legal proceedings against Kulbis may also prompt broader discussions about accountability in college athletics.
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