The guardians of Bucknell University football players who passed away after collapsing during their initial practice last summer have filed a civil lawsuit claiming wrongful death against the Pennsylvania institution.
Calvin “CJ” Dicky Jr., an 18-year-old freshman, died on July 12, 2024, two days after collapsing and being treated in the hospital. This was due to complications stemming from a sickle cell crisis associated with rhabdomyolysis and findings from an independent autopsy.
The parents of CJ assert that their son’s death was “avoidable” and “preventable.” Bucknell University had knowledge of CJ’s sickle cell trait during the NCAA’s mandatory screening, which was communicated to the university before he reported to CAMP.
The lawsuit submitted in Philadelphia on April 2 specifies that while in the hospital, CJ informed his parents, Nicole and Calvin Dicky Sr., that some freshmen had been “smashed” during training.
The legal document indicates that Bucknell “failed to implement the necessary measures” to ensure that precautions were established to avert the unfortunate death of CJ, which is described as “extremely painful.”
“Eight months later, Bucknell declines to accept responsibility for CJ’s death, offer an apology, or put in place the procedures to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring again,” asserts the lawsuit.
“Bucknell, prioritizing donor relations and athlete recruitment, was merely attempting to keep the circumstances surrounding CJ’s death concealed.”
The lawsuit further stated:
Nicole, but from various regions globally. ”
Rhabdomyolysis is a condition characterized by muscle breakdown or collapse, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The likelihood of developing rhabdomyolysis during physical exertion is 50% higher in individuals with sickle cell traits.
The NCAA’s “fact sheet” on sickle cell included in the lawsuit mentions that during strenuous exercise, red blood cells, including sickle cells, can deform into a crescent or “sickle” shape, causing sickle cells to accumulate in the bloodstream during intense activity, thus impeding normal blood flow to tissues and muscles.
The coach also mentions, “If you’re struggling, you’ll stop working as soon as you feel it.”
CJ’s parents claim they met with Bucknell staff to guarantee their son’s safety in the program.
“Two weeks prior to reporting CJ to Bucknell, trainer Rayna Murphy reached out to Nicole Dickey to discuss CJ’s positive sickle cell trait test,” the lawsuit claims. “Nicole was assured that appropriate measures would be taken to address this condition.”
The lawsuit also contends that Bucknell had no trainers present during the practice where CJ collapsed and lacked an emergency action plan (“EAP”) for medical emergencies. Both are required by NCAA regulations.
Former Bucknell strength and conditioning coach Mark Cruvis has faced allegations of “severely injuring a freshman on the first day of practice,” claims of which were widely reported.
In a statement, Bucknell University indicated it would refrain from commenting on the ongoing lawsuit.
“The loss of a student is always a deeply regrettable event. Bucknell University acknowledges the lawsuit filed by CJ Dicky’s parents,” the university stated to NBC News. “The institution will not comment on the pending litigation, but we extend our heartfelt condolences to CJ’s family and will keep focusing on our highest priorities: the health and safety of all students at Bucknell.”
The lawsuit indicates that three months after CJ’s death, another freshman offensive lineman experienced rhabdomyolysis following one of Cruvis’ conditioning sessions.
This player, whose identity remains undisclosed in the lawsuit, managed to survive but incurred serious injuries.
