Parents of football player who died after practice sues Bucknell University

The family of Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr. is suing Bucknell University, alleging negligence and wrongful death after the promising football player died after practice.

Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr passes from sickle-cell related disease

In July 2024, the 18-year-old from Florida collapsed from sickle cell-related rhabdomyolysis during the team’s first workout and was immediately hospitalized.

He died two days later.

Lawsuit details

In documents filed in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court on Wednesday, April 2, Calvin Dickey Sr. and Nicole Dickey claimed that the university knew about their son’s sickle-cell trait diagnosis, which makes him more susceptible to getting the rare muscle condition, and could have prevented his death, which occurred following his first football practice, according to NBC Philadelphia.

According to the lawsuit, before joining the football team, CJ tested positive for sickle cell trait, and Bucknell’s athletics department was notified, reports the outlet.

In a press conference on April 2, the Dickey’s attorney Mike Caspino said the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) began mandating in 2010 that athletes begin testing for sickle-cell trait, as they were more susceptible to getting the condition. CJ’s diagnosis made him “200 times more likely” to get rhabdomyolysis, Caspino said.

The attorney further went on to say that, according to the rules, players who test positive for the sickle-cell trait are not to work out on their first day of practice, yet CJ did.

Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr’s parents wants answers

His parents say his death was preventable, and they want to know what happened that day on the field.

Through the lawsuit, the Dickey family hopes to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragic loss.

Bucknell released a statement in response:

“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 most important priority — the health and safety of all Bucknell students.”