Lawsuit Filed by Family of Bucknell Football Player After Tragic Death During Practice

Lawsuit Filed by Family of Bucknell Football Player After Tragic Death During Practice

The parents of Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr. have initiated legal action against Bucknell University nearly one year after the 18-year-old collapsed during his first football practice with the team last summer.

Attorney Mike Caspino, representing the family, disclosed the lawsuit at a recent press conference alongside Dickey’s grieving parents. They conveyed their deep sorrow while seeking accountability.

“He was a superb athlete, a remarkable student, and an incredible human being. On July 12, 2024, he suffered a painful, brutal death due to the actions of Bucknell University’s football coaches,” Caspino asserted emphatically.

Despite Dickey’s passing occurring nearly nine months ago, his parents allege that the university has withheld critical information regarding the circumstances surrounding their son’s tragic death. Caspino expressed concerns, stating, “They are hiding what happened, and we are forced to file this lawsuit to uncover the truth.”

The lawsuit claims that Dickey succumbed to rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle condition that can be triggered by rigorous physical activity. It further alleges that Dickey’s pre-existing sickle cell trait made him more susceptible to this life-threatening condition, knowledge the lawsuit asserts was known to the university prior to the start of training camp.

Incident Details Raise Serious Concerns

The legal documents reveal that on July 9, Dickey was made to perform 100 up-downs as punishment for the team’s prior mistakes during workouts. Fellow players reportedly noted that he was falling behind and struggled to keep pace with his teammates during this demanding drill.

After collapsing during practice, Dickey was rushed to a hospital, where he underwent dialysis. Medical interventions included emergency surgery to alleviate pressure in his extremities. Despite these efforts, his heart stopped, resulting in his death two days following the incident.

“He died a horrible, painful death that was 100% preventable,” Caspino remarked, emphasizing the preventable nature of the tragedy.

Bucknell University’s Response

In response to the unfolding events, Bucknell University issued a statement, labeling Dickey’s death a tragic loss and extending sympathies to the family. However, they refrained from commenting on the specifics of the case due to pending litigation.

“The death of a student is always a tragic loss. While the University will not comment on pending litigation, we again extend heartfelt sympathies to CJ’s family, and we will continue to focus on our utmost priority—the health and safety of all Bucknell students,” the statement read.

NCAA Policies Under Scrutiny

As mandated by NCAA policies, all athletes must undergo sickle cell solubility testing or present valid test results within six months prior to engaging in sports activities. The lawsuit claims that Dickey had tested positive for the condition, and a Bucknell trainer is alleged to have communicated this information to his mother before the incident on July 12.

The family’s lawsuit accuses the university of negligence and seeks compensation as well as the dissemination of information regarding the events that led to Dickey’s death.

A Call for Accountability

The tragic incident has sparked conversations about the safety measures in place for collegiate athletes. Families of athletes are increasingly concerned about the potential health risks associated with rigorous training regimes and the responsibilities of universities in safeguarding their students.

As investigations and court proceedings unfold, this lawsuit demonstrates the urgent need for clearer protocols and heightened awareness surrounding athlete welfare. Bucknell University, like many institutions, faces scrutiny in how it handles athlete health and safety.

Ultimately, the Dickey family wishes to ensure that their son’s story serves as a catalyst for change, aiming for greater accountability from athletic programs across the nation.

The family, through their legal efforts, hopes to not only seek justice for CJ Dickey but also raise crucial awareness regarding the challenges of student-athletes facing serious health risks.