Parents of Bucknell football player who died say they appreciate criminal charges against coach

Key Points:

• Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr., a Bucknell University freshman football player with sickle-cell trait, died after collapsing during a 2024 training camp session overseen by strength coach Mark Kulbis, who has been criminally charged.
• Kulbis faces felony aggravated hazing and misdemeanor counts of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and hazing; his attorney denies responsibility, stating the training program was appropriate and met standards.
• Sickle-cell trait can cause severe complications under intense exertion, and NCAA guidelines require testing and caution for athletes with the condition, but Dickey’s parents say they were unaware of his trait until shortly before camp.
• Dickey’s parents have filed a federal lawsuit against Bucknell and have since established a foundation to raise awareness about sickle-cell trait in athletes and promote student-athlete health through scholarships and specialized football camps.
• While criminal charges against coaches in athlete deaths are rare, similar cases have occurred, such as the 2019 heat stroke death of a Georgia basketball player and a 2009 Kentucky football player’s death, highlighting ongoing concerns about athlete safety.