Ex-US Bucknell Football Coach Charged in Hazing Death of Player

You've probably heard of hazing incidents in sports, but a recent incident in Pennsylvania's Bucknell University is a harsh reminder of the dangers of ignoring medical conditions. In June 2024, 18-year-old freshman Calvin 'CJ' Dickey Jr. collapsed during a strength training session and died two days later in hospital. According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, Dickey's death was caused by the combination of physical activity and his Sickle Cell trait.

The strength and conditioning coach, Mark Kulbis, was charged with felony aggravated hazing and misdemeanor charges, including involuntary manslaughter. Kulbis subjected Dickey to an 'extreme workout' despite being told about his Sickle Cell condition, which makes people more vulnerable to serious health complications with strenuous exercise. Prosecutors say Kulbis forced Dickey and other players to do 100 'up-downs' – a grueling football conditioning drill – and full-body plank drills, which led Dickey to struggle physically. He passed out during practice and died two days later.

Dickey's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Bucknell and its coaching staff in 2015, alleging a hazing ritual for first-year players was the cause of his death. An autopsy confirmed his death was caused by the physical activity in combination with his Sickle Cell trait and exertional rhabdomyolysis – a break down in muscle from extreme physical activity. The attorney general's office said Dickey's death was caused by 'deliberate hazing' from Kulbis.

Dickey's Sickle Cell disease is a red blood cell disorder that can make people vulnerable to serious health complications with strenuous exercise. Pennsylvania passed a felony anti-hazing law after the 2017 death of Tim Piazza, a 19-year-old at Penn State University who died in a fraternity event. Prosecutors say Kulbis received information about Dickey's health condition and training on NCAA anti-hazing standards but disregarded that information.

The case has sparked outrage among many, who argue that ignoring medical conditions like Sickle Cell can have disastrous consequences. 'CJ's death was completely avoidable,' Dickey's family said in a statement. 'If Defendants had followed well-established, well-known practices to protect athletes who have sickle cell trait, CJ would still be alive today.'

Kulbis's attorney, Barbara Zemlock, maintains that Dickey's death was not the result of her client's actions. 'The strength and conditioning program that was implemented was appropriate and in accordance with the training that Mr. Kulbis received, and with applicable standards,' Zemlock said in a statement.

As the investigation and trial continue, many will be watching to see if justice is served for the Dickey family and others affected by hazing incidents in sports. The incident serves as a harsh reminder of the importance of prioritizing athlete safety and respecting medical conditions.

Sickle Cell disease: what it is and why it matters

Sickle Cell disease is a genetic disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin in red blood cells. It affects over 100,000 people in the United States alone. People with Sickle Cell disease are more prone to serious health complications with strenuous exercise, making it essential to take extra precautions when engaging in physical activities.

The NCAA's anti-hazing efforts

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has implemented various measures to prevent hazing in sports. These measures include mandatory training for coaches and student-athletes, increased penalties for hazing incidents, and a zero-tolerance policy for hazing.