Former Bucknell Coach Charged in 18-Year-Old Player's Death, Bail Set at $10,000
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 6
Former Bucknell Coach Charged in 18-Year-Old Player's Death, Bail Set at $10,000
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 6
Summary
Pennsylvania charged former Bucknell strength coach Mark Kulbis with felony aggravated hazing and three misdemeanors over the July 2024 death of 18-year-old freshman Calvin "CJ" Dickey Jr.
Prosecutors said Kulbis put Dickey through 100 up-downs and plank drills despite knowing his sickle cell trait made extreme conditioning dangerous, and did not call for help until he collapsed.
Kulbis surrendered Monday, was arraigned, and had bail set at $10,000; a preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 28.
Kulbis' lawyer said he was not responsible for Dickey's death and called the training program appropriate, while Bucknell said it had cooperated with the investigation but would not comment further.
Dickey died two days after his first team workout, and his family is already suing Bucknell, arguing the university knew of his sickle cell trait and failed to protect him.
This isn't the first athlete death. Will charging one coach finally reform college sports' dangerous culture?
With a known medical risk, why was a freshman subjected to a deadly 'punishment' workout?
Hazing, Sickle Cell Trait, and the Death of CJ Dickey Jr.: Criminal Charges and Institutional Failures at Bucknell University (2024–2026)
Overview
This report examines the criminal and civil cases following the death of Bucknell football player Calvin "CJ" Dickey Jr. after his first practice in July 2024. Former NCAA strength coach Mark Kulbis faces aggravated hazing and manslaughter charges, reflecting Pennsylvania's toughened laws enacted after the 2017 hazing death of Tim Piazza. The report highlights how Dickey's death, linked to alleged hazing and medical oversight failures, has led to lawsuits against Bucknell University and renewed scrutiny of NCAA safety protocols. These events underscore the urgent need for stronger athlete protection, better coach accountability, and comprehensive reforms in collegiate sports safety.