Ex-NCAA Football Strength Coach Charged With Manslaughter In Connection With Player’s Death

Former Bucknell University strength and conditioning coach Mark Kulbis has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and criminal hazing in connection with the 2024 death of freshman football player Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr., according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

The charges were announced Monday following an investigation into Dickey’s death, which occurred after a conditioning session on his first day of freshman football activities on July 10, 2024.

Prosecutors allege Kulbis required Dickey and other incoming players to complete a grueling workout that included multiple full-body plank drills and 100 “up-downs” before the team had even begun official practice. Investigators say Kulbis continued the workout despite warnings from other coaches that the conditioning session was excessive and inappropriate for the athletes’ first day.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, Kulbis had previously been informed that Dickey carried the sickle cell trait, a medical condition that can significantly increase the risk of serious complications during intense physical exertion. Officials also allege Kulbis had received university training on sickle cell protocols, NCAA safety guidelines, and Pennsylvania’s anti-hazing laws before the workout took place.

Investigators further claim that Dickey displayed visible signs of distress during the conditioning session but that Kulbis, who was the only coach present, did not seek emergency medical assistance until the freshman collapsed.

Dickey was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remained for two days before dying on July 12, 2024.

An autopsy determined that Dickey’s death resulted from exertional rhabdomyolysis, with his sickle cell trait, body weight, and the strenuous conditioning workout all contributing to the fatal outcome.

“The facts show this was an intentional, deliberate hazing perpetrated by a coach who knew C.J.’s health condition made him vulnerable to extreme workouts,” Dave Sunday said in a statement. “The facts show this defendant received information about C.J.’s health condition, along with training about NCAA anti-hazing standards, and disregarded that information. This is an extraordinary tragedy, worsened by the fact that C.J.’s death was preventable.”

The case marks one of the most significant criminal prosecutions involving alleged hazing and athlete safety in college football in recent years.