A Tragic Practice Turns Fatal
Mark Kulbis, once the strength and conditioning coach at Bucknell University, now faces criminal accusations after a 2024 football practice ended in tragedy.
Calvin "CJ" Dickey Jr., a promising lineman, collapsed on the field after an intense drill. He was pronounced dead shortly thereafter, and an investigation revealed that he carried a sickle‑cell trait that made him especially vulnerable to extreme exertion.
Medical Risks Ignored
Sickle‑cell trait, though often benign, can turn lethal when athletes are pushed to their physical limits. Medical literature repeatedly warns that high‑intensity training without proper monitoring can trigger sudden collapse, especially in humid or high‑temperature conditions.
Criminal Charges and Fallout
Prosecutors have filed felony counts against Kulbis, alleging involuntary manslaughter and negligent homicide. If convicted, he could face significant prison time and a permanent ban from coaching at any level.
Bucknell’s administration has announced a comprehensive safety overhaul, pledging to implement mandatory health screenings and stricter oversight of conditioning regimens.