LEWISBURG, Pa. – At Bucknell University, a family is grappling with immense grief following the death of their son, CJ Dickey, who tragically collapsed during his initial workout with the school’s football team. Calvin Dickey, CJ’s father, expressed the profound loss, noting the difficulty they now face even just glancing at his son’s room.
The distress of the Dickey family has led them to file a legal action against Bucknell University, its officials, and athletic staff members. They claim in their lawsuit that 18-year-old CJ, who was set to play as an offensive lineman, was subjected to punitive physical exercises, including repeated “up-downs” or “burpees” as a form of reprimand for mistakes made by freshmen during drills.
On the fateful day, CJ was urgently taken to a hospital and diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis. This serious condition, which can occur due to excessive physical exertion, leads to the breakdown of muscle tissue and can result in critical complications like kidney failure and irregular heart rhythms. Despite efforts to save him, doctors finally approached his parents with the dire news. Nicole Dickey, CJ’s mother, recalled the heartbreaking decision to cease resuscitation efforts as it became clear her son would not recover.
Complicating CJ’s medical emergency was his sickle cell trait, a hereditary condition that heightens the risk of developing rhabdomyolysis by as much as 50%. CJ had only been tested for this trait a few weeks prior to his college start, in line with NCAA mandates instituted in 2010 following another athlete’s death. Dr. Stephanie Widmer, a medical expert, pointed out that while not all individuals with the sickle cell trait will experience rhabdomyolysis, their risk is significantly increased during physical activities.
According to the lawsuit, the Dickey family has been left without clear answers from Bucknell University regarding the circumstances of that day. They believe that the excessive workout CJ endured was not merely a training session but an annual hazing ritual targeting freshman athletes. Nicole Dickey decried what she perceives as unnecessary and extreme pressure placed on the young players. Her husband, Calvin, echoed this sentiment, describing the situation as avoidable and squarely within the realm of hazing.
In response to the incident and subsequent legal action, Bucknell University has chosen not to comment on the ongoing litigation. However, the university conveyed condolences and reiterated their commitment to prioritizing the wellness and safety of its student body.
The Dickeys’ tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about athlete safety, particularly around conditioning practices and the adequateness of protocols to protect those with vulnerabilities like the sickle cell trait. This case also stirs the much larger debate on the nature of sports initiations and what constitutes acceptable team-building exercises versus harmful hazing practices.
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