A former strength and conditioning coach at Bucknell University now faces criminal charges after a freshman football player died following an intense training session. Calvin "CJ" Dickey Jr., a 19‑year‑old rookie, collapsed in July 2024 after being pushed through a series of grueling drills.
Dickey carried the sickle‑cell trait, a genetic condition that can turn ordinary exertion into a medical emergency when combined with dehydration or extreme heat. The autopsy later linked his death to the combination of the exercises, his underlying trait, his body mass and a severe case of exertional rhabdomyolysis.
The Investigation Unfolds
Mark Kulbis, who had served as the program’s head strength coach for six years before departing in January 2025, was informed of Dickey’s medical history and had received formal training on handling such conditions. Nevertheless, investigators say he ordered the player and several teammates to endure the punishing routine.
Kulbis now stands accused of felony aggravated hazing alongside misdemeanor counts of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and hazing. Prosecutors in the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office have filed the indictment, alleging that the coach’s actions crossed the line from negligence into criminal conduct.
Bucknell University has cooperated fully with the inquiry but, citing ongoing litigation, has declined to comment publicly on the allegations. The school’s statement emphasized its commitment to student safety while the legal process runs its course.
The case has reignited discussions about the responsibilities of strength coaches, the adequacy of medical screenings for athletes with sickle‑cell trait, and the culture that pushes young players to their physical limits. Advocates warn that without stricter oversight, similar tragedies could repeat.