A former Bucknell University strength and conditioning coach has been charged in the death of a freshman football player who collapsed during a July 2024 training session.
Background on the athlete
Calvin "CJ" Dickey Jr., a 19‑year‑old recruit from Pennsylvania, carried the sickle‑cell trait, a genetic condition that can impair blood flow and increase the risk of severe muscle breakdown under extreme physical stress.
The autopsy revealed that his death resulted from a combination of the workout regimen, his underlying medical condition, body weight and an episode of exertional rhabdomyolysis, a breakdown of muscle tissue that can lead to kidney failure.
Coach’s awareness and alleged negligence
Mark Kulbis, who had served as the program’s head strength coach for roughly six years, was fully aware of Dickey’s trait and had received specific training on how to accommodate athletes with the condition.
Despite those precautions, prosecutors allege that Kulbis failed to adjust the intensity of the drills and did not intervene when Dickey showed signs of distress, leading to the fatal outcome.
Legal charges and civil action
Kulbis now faces a felony count of aggravated hazing along with misdemeanor charges of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and hazing.
The Dickey family has filed a civil lawsuit against both the university and Kulbis, arguing that the death could have been prevented with proper safeguards.
NCAA policies on sickle‑cell trait
The case has reignited discussion about the NCAA’s safeguards for athletes with sickle‑cell trait, which mandates testing and recommends modified conditioning and close monitoring during high‑intensity workouts.
According to NCAA guidelines, coaches are required to conduct appropriate conditioning, watch for warning signs such as excessive fatigue or heat illness, and take immediate action when an athlete appears to be in danger.
Kulbis left Bucknell in January 2025, about six months after Dickey’s death, but the legal proceedings continue to draw attention from the university community and beyond.