NCAA strength coach charged with hazing, manslaughter in football player's death

NCAA strength coach charged with hazing, manslaughter in football player's death. Mark Kulbis, a former Bucknell strength and conditioning coach, was charged Monday with criminal hazing and manslaughter connected to the 2024 death of freshman football player Calvin “C.J.” Dickey Jr. The Pennsylvania attorney general said Kulbis allegedly ordered Dickey and other players to perform 100 up-downs and plank drills on the first day of freshmen practice in July 2024, with investigators stating Dickey was visibly struggling and did not receive help until after he passed out. The office said Kulbis knew Dickey had a sickle cell trait that increased risk, and that Dickey died two days later. An autopsy determined death was related to the exercises together with Dickey’s sickle cell trait, weight, and exertional rhabdomyolysis. Kulbis was released on $10,000 bond, with a next court hearing scheduled for July 28. He faces five charges, including aggravated hazing and involuntary manslaughter, and Bucknell football competes in NCAA Division I FCS in the Patriot League.