LEWISBURG, Penn. — The parents of Calvin “CJ” Dickey, an 18-year-old Bucknell University football player who collapsed during a team workout last July, have filed a lawsuit against the university. The lawsuit alleges negligence and hazing led to the death of their son, who was a freshman offensive lineman.
According to the legal filing, CJ collapsed during a rigorous workout involving “up-downs,” an exercise commonly known as burpees, on his first day with the team, reports ABC7Chicago. The drill was allegedly used as punishment for mistakes made by some of the freshman players, the lawsuit claims.
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After his collapse, CJ was taken to a nearby hospital where he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a condition caused by extreme physical exertion that leads to the breakdown of muscle tissue and, in severe cases, can result in kidney failure or abnormal heart rhythms. He died two days later.
Lawsuit Alleges Hazing and Failure to Follow Guidelines by Bucknell University
CJ’s parents, who say they have yet to receive a clear explanation of what happened the day their son collapsed, believe the workout was an annual rite of passage for first-year athletes at Bucknell that amounted to hazing, reports the Tampa Beacon. The lawsuit further alleges that Bucknell University was aware that CJ had tested positive for sickle cell trait but failed to take necessary precautions as required by NCAA guidelines.
Sickle cell trait, an inherited condition, increases the risk of rhabdomyolysis by as much as 50% in those who have it. CJ was diagnosed with the condition weeks before his arrival at Bucknell, as part of the mandatory NCAA screening implemented in 2010.
NCAA protocols dictate that athletes with sickle cell trait should be allowed to set their own pace during training, avoid certain drills that could trigger health issues, and have an athletic trainer present during workouts. According to the lawsuit, these measures were not followed in CJ’s case.
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Bucknell University released a statement expressing condolences to CJ’s family but declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing pending litigation. “We extend heartfelt sympathies to CJ’s family, and we will continue to focus on our most important priority: the health and safety of all Bucknell students,” the statement read.
