Bucknell faces lawsuit in death of football player Calvin Dickey Jr
The tragic death of Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr. during his first football practice at Bucknell University has led to a lawsuit being filed by his parents nearly a year after the heartbreaking incident. Dickey, an 18-year-old with a promising future, collapsed during a workout session and later passed away due to rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle condition exacerbated by intense physical activity.
The family’s attorney, Mike Caspino, spoke out during a press conference announcing the lawsuit, stating that the coaches at Bucknell University were responsible for Dickey’s death. Despite the university’s silence on the matter, Caspino emphasized that the school’s lack of transparency has forced the family to seek legal action in order to uncover the truth behind their son’s tragic passing.
The lawsuit alleges that Dickey was subjected to excessive punishment during a workout session, where he performed 100 up-downs as a form of discipline for the team’s mistakes. It is claimed that Dickey, who had sickle cell trait, a condition that increases the risk of rhabdomyolysis, was pushed beyond his limits without proper consideration for his health and safety.
Following the incident, Dickey was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery, but unfortunately, he did not survive. Caspino described Dickey’s death as “100% preventable,” emphasizing the negligence on the part of the university and its coaching staff.
Bucknell University has expressed condolences for the loss of Dickey but refrained from commenting further due to the pending litigation. The university reiterated its commitment to the health and safety of all students while acknowledging the tragic nature of Dickey’s passing.
The lawsuit also revealed that Dickey had tested positive for the sickle cell trait prior to the incident, a fact that the university was allegedly aware of. The NCAA mandates that all athletes undergo testing for the sickle cell trait, highlighting the importance of understanding and managing such health conditions in student-athletes.
In seeking compensation and answers surrounding Dickey’s death, the lawsuit aims to hold Bucknell University accountable for its role in the tragic events that led to the loss of a promising young athlete. As the legal proceedings unfold, the Dickey family continues to seek closure and justice for their beloved son.
The story of Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr. serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of prioritizing the well-being of student-athletes and ensuring that proper protocols are in place to protect their health and safety in all sports activities.
