Parents of football player who died speak out after charges filed against ex-coach

The parents of Calvin "C.J." Dickey Jr. expressed appreciation after criminal charges were filed against Mark Kulbis, the former Bucknell strength and conditioning coach, in connection with their son's death following a 2024 football practice. "We've been living in this space for months and months now, so what I felt was just appreciation," Nicole Dickey told "CBS Mornings."

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We've been living in this space for months and months now, so what I felt was just appreciation.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Monday that Kulbis is charged with felony aggravated hazing, misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and hazing. Prosecutors stated that the coach subjected Dickey Jr. to intense workouts despite knowing the freshman had a sickle-cell trait, which increases vulnerability during strenuous activity. The NCAA mandates sickle-cell trait screening for all new athletes and advises precautions during exercise for those with the condition.

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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 facts show this defendant received information about C.J.'s health condition, along with training about NCAA anti-hazing standards, and disregarded that information," Sunday said in a statement. "This is an extraordinary tragedy, worsened by the fact that C.J.'s death was preventable." The workout reportedly included 100 "up-downs," and Kulbis allegedly delayed calling for help after Dickey Jr. collapsed. He died two days later in a hospital.

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We thought, go to the hospital, they, you know, patch him up, in a couple days, he'd be out, and we just, you know, keep moving on, nope.

"We thought, go to the hospital, they, you know, patch him up, in a couple days, he'd be out, and we just, you know, keep moving on, nope," said his father, Calvin Dickey Sr. Kulbis departed Bucknell about six months after Dickey Jr.'s death. Kulbis' attorney maintains the coach is not responsible. The Dickey family has also filed a civil lawsuit against Bucknell and started the C.J. Dickey Foundation to promote sickle-cell trait awareness and education. "This is an opportunity for education and awareness," Nicole Dickey said. "It's also an opportunity for programs to self-reflect." "This is not the time for silence," she continued. "I do not want to see another C.J."

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This is an opportunity for education and awareness. It's also an opportunity for programs to self-reflect.