New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo has apologized after saying on a podcast that he did not believe in chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease connected with football. Skattebo had also described asthma, a very common lung disease, as "fake."
After the comments began to go viral on Saturday, Skattebo took to social media to apologize for what he called a "tasteless joke" about the diseases.
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"I recently did an interview and had a lapse in judgement, which resulted in me making a tasteless joke about CTE and asthma. It was never my intention to downplay the serious of head injuries or asthma. 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. Much love !!" Skattebo wrote.
Skattebo made the comments during an episode of the "Bring the Juice" podcastwith Frank Delana released last week. Early in the episode, Delana asked Skattebo if he thought CTE was "a real thing."
Skattebo said he did not: "No. It's an excuse," Skattebo said.
Delana then added that he thought asthma was "an excuse too," with Skattebo agreeing.
"Is that a hot take?" Delana asked.
"No, that's a good take," Skattebo said. "Yes, asthma's fake."
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"Is there anything worse than when you're in fourth grade and someone's huffin' and puffin'?" Delana continued. "You're just soft."
"Yeah, just literally breathe air," Skattebo said.
Research shows CTE is prevalent in NFL players
Years of recent research has indicated evidence of CTE in former football players, withbrain damage directly tiedto contact sports and repeated hits to the head. A2023 studyof former NFL players at the Boston University CTE Center found evidence of CTE in nearly 92% of the players.
Also, per theAsthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately one in 12 Americans has asthma.
CTE denials have been a slight touchpoint recently, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gettingduped by an apparently fake Emeka Egbuka account on X. The Buccaneers quickly denounced the account after it posted, "Is CTE even real?"
From his days at Arizona State, Skattebo has been known for his hard-nosed running style on the field (and forheadbutting the wall.) The running back's rookie seasoncame to an early end last yearafter he suffered a dislocated ankle; a few weeks later, he wasmixing it up with WWE wrestlersat "Monday Night Raw."
Skattebo's recovery has been ongoing. Hetold Rich Eisenearlier this month that he was at about 75% of his running speed, which he admitted was "not very fast." Still, he appears likely to return to the field for the Giants next season.
Skattebo rushed for 410 yards and caught 24 passes for 207 yards while totaling seven touchdowns in eights during his rookie season. He was a fourth-round draft pick of the Giants in 2025.
