New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo has apologized for his controversial remarks dismissing the severity of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and asthma, both recognized medical conditions.
“I recently did an interview and had a lapse in judgment, which resulted in me making a tasteless joke about CTE and asthma,” Skattebo, 24, expressed via X on Saturday, March 21. “It was never my intention to downplay the seriousness of head injuries or asthma.”
He further stated, “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!!!”
Earlier this month, Skattebo was questioned about his belief in the reality of CTE. (CTE is a degenerative brain disorder likely caused by repeated head traumas, according to the Mayo Clinic.)
“No, it’s an excuse,” Skattebo commented on a March episode of the “Bring the Juice” podcast, aligning with host Frank Delana’s opinion that asthma is similarly an excuse. Skattebo added, “That’s valid. Yes, asthma’s fake.”
Asthma, according to the Mayo Clinic, is a condition where the airways narrow and swell, making breathing extremely difficult, and causing wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. There is no known cure.
Delana then made light of those with asthma, joking, “Is there anything worse than someone’s huffing and puffing,” he quipped. “You’re just soft.”
Skattebo agreed, adding, “Yeah, just literally breathe air.”
The girlfriend of New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo showed support after his severe season-ending injury. Chloe Rodriguez broke her silence via social media on Monday, October 27, one day after Skattebo, 23, underwent surgery to repair the dislocated ankle he suffered during the Giants game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, October […]
Skattebo was drafted by the Giants in April 2025, and played his rookie season with the team until he suffered a severe ankle injury the following October.
“[I] feel absolutely terrible for the young man,” Giants head coach Brian Daboll told reporters at the time. “Obviously I saw it. It looked bad. You feel for anybody on your team that goes down and has a really bad injury. And I feel, and I know the players feel the same way about Skat.”
The professional athlete underwent surgery to repair his dislocated ankle and has since been recuperating in preparation for the 2026-2027 NFL season.
“[My recovery is] on schedule,” Skattebo stated during a January press conference regarding his progress. “I got another week until I start moving around, upping my speed a little bit. Time’s gonna tell, but take it easy. [I] got plenty of time to get back to it.”
He further emphasized that reaching the team’s training camp in the summer “was obviously the goal.”
“Hopefully, [I’ll] get back by OTAs,” Skattebo said, referring to the NFL’s voluntary preseason practices. “If not, there’s no rush to it.”
