A former Bucknell University strength and conditioning coach has been charged in connection with the 2024 death of freshman football player Calvin "CJ" Dickey Jr.
Videos by FanBuzz
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that former Bucknell strength coach Mark Kulbis faces felony aggravated hazing along with misdemeanor charges of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and hazing.
According to prosecutors, Dickey, 18, collapsed during his first football workout in July 2024 after being required to complete a series of conditioning drills. He died two days later.
The attorney general's office alleges Kulbis subjected Dickey and other players to intense exercises despite guidance from other coaches that the workout was not appropriate or safe. Prosecutors also allege Dickey showed visible signs of distress before collapsing and that assistance was not immediately requested.
"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," Sunday said in a statement.
Kulbis has denied wrongdoing.
His attorney, Barbara Zemlock, said the conditioning program followed accepted standards and argued her client was not responsible for Dickey's death.
"There are facts and other circumstances surrounding this matter that, once presented at the appropriate time, will demonstrate that Mr. Kulbis did not commit the crimes charged," Zemlock said.
Bucknell said it has cooperated with the attorney general's investigation but declined further comment because of the ongoing criminal case and related civil litigation.
Authorities said Kulbis surrendered to law enforcement and was arraigned on the charges.
