Parents of Bucknell Football Player Who Died Say They Appreciate Criminal Charges Against Coach

The news of Mark Kulbis, the strength and conditioning coach at Bucknell University, facing criminal charges related to the death of freshman football player Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr. in 2024 is a rare but welcome development in college athletics. Such cases are few and far between, but this instance serves as a stark reminder of the often-cavalier approach taken by coaches and institutions towards student-athletes’ health and well-being.

The particulars of Dickey’s case are chilling: a mandatory screening revealed his sickle-cell trait, a condition that increases the risk of serious injury or death following extreme exertion. Despite this, Kulbis subjected him to punishing exercises – 100 “up-downs” and full-body plank drills – without regard for Dickey’s medical vulnerabilities.

The NCAA has been aware of the risks associated with sickle-cell trait since at least 2010, when it began requiring Division I athletes to be tested for the condition. However, in cases like Dickey’s, those safeguards seem to have been ignored or downplayed by coaches who prioritize winning over athlete safety. The fact that Kulbis was following established protocols does not absolve him of accountability.

The charges against Kulbis – felony aggravated hazing and misdemeanor counts of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and hazing – underscore the gravity of this incident. They also highlight a systemic failure rather than simply a rogue coach or individual. Institutions like Bucknell University bear significant responsibility for creating an environment in which athlete safety takes a backseat to winning.

The Dickey family’s efforts to raise awareness about sickle-cell trait in athletes and promote student-athlete health through their foundation are commendable, but they also highlight the limitations of individual action in addressing these systemic issues. It will take sustained pressure from parents, students, alumni, and policymakers to ensure that institutions prioritize athlete safety above all else.

The case against Kulbis is not merely a matter of holding one person accountable for a tragic event – it’s about creating a culture within college athletics where the well-being of student-athletes is paramount. The NCAA and institutions like Bucknell University must take concrete steps to ensure coaches are held accountable for athlete safety, including implementing more rigorous training programs, increasing transparency around athletic policies and procedures, and providing robust support systems for athletes with medical conditions or vulnerabilities.

Ultimately, the Dickey family’s quest for justice is not just about seeing Kulbis held accountable – it’s about creating a future where no other family has to endure what they have. As Calvin Dickey Sr. said, “We’re at the point where we’re just glad that someone is being held responsible for our son’s death.” It’s time for institutions like Bucknell University to take responsibility for their role in this tragedy and commit to creating a culture of athlete safety that prioritizes the well-being of every student-athlete.