Giants’ Cam Skattebo Apologizes for Comments Downplaying CTE and Asthma

Recent York Giants running back Cam Skattebo has issued an apology for remarks made during a recent podcast interview where he minimized the significance of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and asthma. The comments sparked immediate backlash, prompting the 24-year-old player to address the controversy publicly.

During an appearance on the “Bring the Juice” podcast, Skattebo was directly asked whether he believed CTE was a legitimate medical condition. His response, delivered while shaking his head, was blunt: “No, it’s an excuse.”

Skattebo subsequently posted an apology on social media, stating, “I recently did an interview and had a lapse in judgment, which resulted in me making a tasteless joke about CTE and asthma. It was never my intention to downplay the seriousness of head injuries or asthma,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I sincerely apologize to anyone that was offended by my remarks, and I assure you that I’ll be more mindful and respectful going forward.”

The apology comes amid growing awareness and research surrounding CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to repetitive head trauma. A 2023 study by the Boston University CTE Center found that over 40% of deceased athletes – primarily football players – who had been exposed to repetitive head impacts and died before the age of 30 were diagnosed with CTE. The study examined brains donated for research, highlighting the long-term consequences of head injuries in contact sports. The deaths of former NFL players like Junior Seau, Conrad Dobler, and Dave Duerson, all of whom were later diagnosed with CTE, have brought the issue to the forefront of the national conversation.

Skattebo’s comments extended beyond CTE. When asked about asthma on the podcast, and presented with the idea that it could be considered an “excuse,” he agreed, stating, “No, that’s a quality grab. Yes, asthma’s fake too.” He further added, “You’re just soft.” According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 262 million people worldwide were affected by asthma in 2019, making his remarks particularly insensitive.

The running back’s mother, Becky Skattebo, offered a potential explanation for her son’s comments on X, suggesting they were intended as sarcasm. She wrote, “If people knew how many times Cam had to ‘run to get mom’s inhaler,’ they’d realize the sarcasm… you can’t please everyone, you won’t always say the right thing, and eventually people will inevitably misinterpret something giving it a meaning it never intended to have.”

Cam Skattebo’s career with the Giants has been marked by both promise and adversity. He quickly became a fan favorite for his energetic play and aggressive running style, injecting a new level of enthusiasm into the team. However, his rookie season was cut short in October 2025 after suffering a gruesome ankle dislocation during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. ESPN reported at the time that the injury ended his season, but there was hope for a return at the start of the 2026 season.

The timing of these controversial comments is particularly sensitive, coming as Skattebo attempts to rehabilitate from a serious injury and rebuild his image. The Giants, and the NFL as a whole, have been increasingly focused on player safety and concussion awareness in recent years. Skattebo’s remarks run counter to those efforts and could potentially jeopardize his standing with the team and the league.

The NFL has faced increasing scrutiny regarding its handling of CTE and player safety. Numerous lawsuits have been filed by former players alleging the league concealed the risks of concussions and CTE. The league has implemented several rule changes aimed at reducing head injuries, but concerns remain about the long-term health of players.

It remains to be seen what repercussions Skattebo will face for his comments. The Giants have not yet released a statement, but it is likely the team will address the situation in the coming days. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible communication and the need for athletes to be mindful of the impact their words can have, particularly on sensitive topics like brain health and chronic illnesses.

The Giants will begin their offseason training program in April, and Skattebo’s participation will depend on his recovery from the ankle injury. The team will be looking to build on a disappointing 2025 season and contend for a playoff spot in 2026. Skattebo’s ability to contribute to that effort will hinge not only on his physical health but also on his ability to regain the trust of fans and the league.

Next up for the New York Giants is the NFL Draft, scheduled to begin on April 23rd. The team holds the 10th overall pick and will be looking to add talent to address several key needs. ESPN provides comprehensive coverage of the draft, including prospect profiles, mock drafts, and live updates.

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