New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo has issued a public apology after facing significant criticism for remarks he made on a podcast, where he dismissed chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and asthma as "fake" conditions. The 24-year-old athlete, who is entering his second NFL season, clarified that his comments were intended as a "tasteless joke" and not to be taken seriously.
Podcast Comments Spark Outrage
During an appearance on the Bring the Juice podcast, Skattebo was questioned about CTE, a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head trauma, commonly found in contact sports like football. He responded by calling it an "excuse" and extended his skepticism to asthma, stating, "Yeah, asthma's fake too," and suggesting people should "just breathe air." These statements quickly drew widespread backlash from medical professionals, fans, and advocacy groups.
Retraction and Apology
In response to the controversy, Skattebo took to social media platform X to retract his comments. He wrote, "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. 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."
Medical Context and Impact
CTE is a serious condition that can lead to symptoms such as mood swings, depression, suicidal thoughts, and memory loss. A landmark 2017 study found evidence of CTE in 110 out of 111 former football players examined, highlighting its prevalence in the sport. The NFL officially acknowledged a link between football and CTE in 2016, though the condition can only be diagnosed posthumously. Asthma, on the other hand, affects hundreds of millions globally and can be life-threatening in severe cases, making Skattebo's comments particularly insensitive.
Family Response and Clarification
Skattebo's mother, Becky Skattebo, intervened to provide context, revealing that she herself suffers from asthma and that her son's remarks were meant sarcastically. She commented on his post, saying, "If only people knew how many times cam had to 'run and get mom's inhaler' they'd realize the sarcasm. You'll never make everyone happy and you'll never say all the right things and people are bound to spin something sooner or later in a direction it was never intended to go."
Player Background and Future
Cam Skattebo gained popularity among Giants fans during his rookie season in 2025, thanks to his aggressive running style. He recorded seven touchdowns and 410 rushing yards before an ankle injury cut his season short. As he prepares for his second year in the NFL, this incident serves as a reminder of the heightened scrutiny athletes face and the importance of responsible communication on health-related topics.
