Bucknell Football Tragedy: Lawsuit Reveals Systemic Failures in Player Safety Following Freshman's Death

The parents of Bucknell University freshman lineman Calvin "C.J." Dickey Jr. have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the institution, its administration, and football coaching staff following their son's tragic death during preseason conditioning.

Case Background

• Victim: 18-year-old offensive lineman CJ Dickey
• Date of Incident: July 10, 2025 (died July 12)
• Cause of Death: Complications from sickle cell-related rhabdomyolysis
• Legal Action: Lawsuit alleges negligence, wrongful death, and failure to implement NCAA safety protocols

Key Allegations

1. Prior Knowledge: Bucknell trainers were aware of Dickey's sickle cell diagnosis prior to the fatal workout
2. Safety Protocol Failures:
   • No emergency action plan at workout facility
   • Absence of athletic trainer during critical conditioning session
   • Continued strenuous activity despite visible distress
3. Questionable Conditioning Methods:
   • Players allegedly forced to perform 100 "up-downs" as punishment
   • Freshmen reportedly singled out for excessive physical punishment

Medical Context

Sickle cell trait (SCT) affects approximately 8-10% of African American athletes and significantly increases risk of exertional rhabdomyolysis during intense conditioning. The NCAA mandates:

• Mandatory SCT testing for all athletes
• Modified conditioning protocols for SCT athletes
• Immediate cessation of activity at first sign of distress

Institutional Response

Bucknell's official statement:

"The death of a student is always a tragic loss. While the University will not comment on pending litigation, we again extend heartfelt sympathies to CJ's family, and we will continue to focus on our most important priority—the health and safety of all Bucknell students."

Wider Implications

This case highlights systemic issues in college sports:

1. Conditioning Culture: Need to eliminate punitive physical drills
2. Medical Oversight: Requirement for trained staff at all workouts
3. SCT Education: Better coach and staff training on genetic conditions

Legal Developments

• Family seeks both compensation and policy reforms
• Potential to set precedent for athlete safety litigation
• Could prompt NCAA to strengthen enforcement of existing guidelines

"We don't want another athlete, another family, brother, cousin to go through this type of agony and pain and death, especially when it's not necessary or completely avoidable," - Calvin Dickey Sr., victim's father