Former Bucknell University Coach Charged After Student-Athlete's Death

巴克內爾大學前教練在學生運動員死亡後被起訴

Jul 7, 2026, 10:55
USSports

Introduction

Mark Kulbis, a former strength and conditioning coach at Bucknell University, has been charged with several crimes following the 2024 death of freshman football player Calvin Dickey Jr.

巴克內爾大學前力量與體能教練 Mark Kulbis 在 2024 年一年級美式足球員 Calvin Dickey Jr. 死亡後，被指控多項罪名。

Main Body

The legal case began after Mr. Dickey collapsed during a training session in July 2024. According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office, Mr. Kulbis forced the athlete to perform 100 'up-downs' and full-body plank drills. Prosecutors emphasize that these exercises were used as a punishment because the drills were not performed correctly. Furthermore, evidence shows that Mr. Dickey had the sickle-cell trait, a medical condition that makes a person more likely to suffer from a dangerous breakdown of muscle tissue. The Attorney General's office asserts that Mr. Kulbis knew about this condition and had been trained on NCAA safety rules, yet he still continued with the intense workout.

這起法律案件始於 2024 年 7 月 Mr. Dickey 在訓練期間昏迷。根據賓夕法尼亞州總檢察長辦公室，Mr. Kulbis 強迫該運動員進行 100 次「上下跳」和全身平板支撐訓練。檢察官強調，由於訓練動作不正確，這些練習被用作懲罰。此外，證據顯示 Mr. Dickey 具有鐮狀細胞特質，這是一種會使人更容易遭受危險肌肉組織分解的醫療狀況。

These charges are based on specific sports and legal regulations. The NCAA requires sickle-cell trait testing for all athletes and states that training should be based on science, emphasizing that coaches must act immediately if an athlete shows signs of distress. The Attorney General described the incident as deliberate hazing. On the other hand, Mr. Kulbis's lawyers argue that the training program was appropriate and followed standard practices, claiming that the coach did not cause the death.

這些指控是基於特定的體育與法律規定。NCAA 要求所有運動員進行鐮狀細胞特質檢測，並規定訓練應基於科學，強調若運動員表現出不適跡象，教練必須立即採取行動。總檢察長將此事件描述為蓄意欺凌。另一方面，Mr. Kulbis 的律師則主張訓練計畫是適當且符合標準做法的，聲稱教練並未導致死亡。

At the same time as the criminal case, the Dickey family has started a civil lawsuit against Bucknell University and its officials. The family alleges that the death could have been avoided if the university had followed the correct procedures for protecting athletes with the sickle-cell trait. Bucknell University has confirmed that it is cooperating with the investigation, but it has refused to give more details because the legal cases are still active. Mr. Kulbis left the university in January 2025 and has been released on $10,000 bail.

在刑事案件同步進行的同時，Dickey 家人已對巴克內爾大學及其官員提起民事訴訟。家屬指稱，如果大學遵循保護具有鐮狀細胞特質運動員的正確程序，此次死亡本可避免。巴克內爾大學已確認正配合調查，但由於法律案件仍在進行中，拒絕提供更多詳情。Mr. Kulbis 於 2025 年 1 月離開該大學，並以 1 萬美元保釋金獲釋。

Conclusion

Mr. Kulbis faces charges of felony aggravated hazing, involuntary manslaughter, and reckless endangerment. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 28.

Mr. Kulbis 面臨重罪加劇欺凌、非自願殺人以及魯莽危害他人的指控。其初步聆訊定於 7 月 28 日舉行。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The Power of "Reporting Verbs"

At the A2 level, you probably use 'say' and 'tell' for everything. To reach B2, you need to describe how someone is speaking, especially in formal or legal contexts.

Look at how this article moves beyond simple talking:

  • "Prosecutors emphasize..." →\rightarrow They aren't just saying it; they are highlighting a specific, important point.
  • "The Attorney General asserts..." →\rightarrow This is a strong, confident statement of fact.
  • "Lawyers argue..." →\rightarrow They are presenting a reason to persuade others (often the opposite of the other side).
  • "The family alleges..." →\rightarrow They are claiming something is true, but it hasn't been proven in court yet.

🛠️ B2 Upgrade Map

A2 Version (Basic)B2 Version (Precise)The "Vibe"
He says it is true.He asserts it is true.Strong & Certain
They say it happened.They allege it happened.Unproven / Accusatory
She says this is key.She emphasizes this.Focus & Importance
They say the coach is right.They argue the coach is right.Debate & Persuasion

💡 Pro-Tip for Fluency

When you read news articles, stop looking for the meaning of the story for a moment and look for the verb before the word "that".

Example: "Bucknell University confirmed that..."

If you replace confirmed, alleged, asserted, and argued with said, the text becomes boring and loses its legal precision. Start using these "reporting verbs" in your writing to sound more professional and academic.

Vocabulary Learning

emphasize (v.)
To give special importance or attention to something in speaking or writing.
Example:The teacher emphasized the importance of arriving on time for the exam.
assert (v.)
To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Example:The lawyer continued to assert that his client was innocent of all charges.
deliberate (adj.)
Done consciously and intentionally; planned.
Example:The police believe the fire was a deliberate act of arson.
allege (v.)
To claim that someone has done something wrong or that something is true, typically without providing proof.
Example:The report alleges that the company ignored safety warnings for years.
cooperate (v.)
To work together with others or follow requests to achieve a common goal.
Example:The witness agreed to cooperate with the police during the investigation.
reckless (adj.)
Doing something dangerous without worrying about the possible negative results.
Example:His reckless driving nearly caused a serious accident on the highway.
preliminary (adj.)
Happening before a more important event or action; preparatory.
Example:The researchers published their preliminary findings before completing the full study.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→