A former Bucknell University football coach, Mark Kulbis, has been charged with felony aggravated hazing and involuntary manslaughter following the death of 18-year-old player Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr. during practice two years ago. Despite being informed of Dickey’s Sickle Cell condition, Kulbis allegedly subjected him to extreme physical exercises, including 100 “up-downs” and full-body planks, which led to Dickey collapsing and dying two days later. An autopsy revealed his death was due to exertional rhabdomyolysis, exacerbated by his Sickle Cell trait. Prosecutors argue that Kulbis ignored NCAA anti-hazing standards and Dickey’s health information, making his death preventable. This case follows Pennsylvania’s anti-hazing law, enacted after a similar tragedy at Penn State University. Dickey’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Bucknell and its coaching staff, claiming the hazing ritual caused his death.
QUESTION: How might increased awareness and enforcement of anti-hazing policies impact the safety and culture of college sports?
Former Bucknell University football coach charged in hazing death of player
