floriparesort.com – 07 July 2026 | A former strength and conditioning coach at Bucknell University, Mark Kulbis, has been charged in connection with the death of a football player, Calvin Dickey Jr., who collapsed during a training session in 2024. The Ex-Bucknell coach charged in this case is facing felony aggravated hazing and misdemeanor counts of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and hazing. According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, Dickey had sickle-cell trait, a medical condition that increases the risk of serious injury or death following extreme exertion.
The Ex-Bucknell coach charged, Kulbis, told Dickey and other football players to do 100 “up-downs” along with some full-body plank drills, despite being aware of Dickey’s medical condition. Dickey struggled and passed out, and was taken to the hospital, where he died two days later. The autopsy found that his death was caused by the exercises, along with his sickle-cell trait, body weight, and exertional rhabdomyolysis, a rare but life-threatening condition.
The Ex-Bucknell coach charged has been released on $10,000 unsecured bail following his arraignment. The affidavit says that the death certificate lists the manner of Dickey’s death as homicide, with “forced exercise-induced sickle cell crisis” as a substantial factor in the cause of death. Bucknell University has cooperated with the attorney general’s office throughout the investigation, and has stated that it was aware of Dickey’s medical condition and had provided training to coaches on NCAA anti-hazing standards.
The Ex-Bucknell coach charged, Kulbis, is accused of disregarding Dickey’s health condition and ignoring the training he received on NCAA anti-hazing standards. The attorney general’s office has stated that the facts show this was an intentional, deliberate hazing perpetrated by a coach who knew Dickey’s health condition made him vulnerable to extreme workouts. The Ex-Bucknell coach charged in this case is facing serious charges, and the case highlights the importance of prioritizing player safety and well-being in sports training.
In conclusion, the Ex-Bucknell coach charged in connection with the death of Calvin Dickey Jr. is a serious case that highlights the need for coaches to prioritize player safety and well-being. The Ex-Bucknell coach charged, Kulbis, is facing felony and misdemeanor charges, and the case will likely have significant implications for sports training and coaching practices. As the Ex-Bucknell coach charged in this case navigates the legal system, it is essential to remember the importance of prioritizing player safety and well-being in all sports training activities.