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New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo found himself in a controversy after making dismissive remarks about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and asthma during a podcast interview. The 24-year-old athlete was quick to issue a public apology, acknowledging his comments as a “lapse in judgment” and referring to them as a “tasteless joke.”
The incident unfolded just days ago, prompting the budding NFL player to retract his statements that sparked criticism from fans, health professionals, and even the son of a Hall of Fame icon.
During his appearance on the Bring the Juice podcast with host Frank Dalena, the discussion took a contentious turn when Skattebo was asked about the reality of CTE. Shaking his head, he responded, “No, it’s an excuse.” The topic then shifted to asthma, with the host suggesting it was similarly an excuse. Skattebo concurred, applauding the notion as “a good take” and asserting, “asthma’s fake.” He further trivialized the condition by saying, “Just literally breathe air.”
These statements stand in stark contrast to established scientific findings. A 2023 study by Boston University revealed CTE in approximately 92 percent of former NFL players whose brains were analyzed, while asthma affects over 28 million individuals in the United States alone.
In the wake of the immediate backlash, Skattebo turned to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to extend a formal apology. “I recently did an interview and had a lapse in judgment, which resulted in me making a tasteless joke about CTE and asthma,” he stated. He clarified that he did not intend to undermine the severity of head injuries or asthma, offering a heartfelt apology to those offended. He concluded with a commitment to being “more mindful and respectful going forward.”
The remarks contradicted overwhelming scientific consensus. A 2023 Boston University study found evidence of CTE in roughly 92 percent of former NFL players whose brains were examined, while asthma affects more than 28 million people in the United States alone.
Cam Skattebo’s Full Apology Statement
Following the swift backlash, Skattebo took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to issue a formal apology. “I recently did an interview and had a lapse in judgment, which resulted in me making a tasteless joke about CTE and asthma,” he wrote. He emphasized that it was never his intention to downplay the seriousness of head injuries or asthma, offering a sincere apology to anyone offended. He closed with a promise to be “more mindful and respectful going forward.”
The apology was posted on March 21, just a day after the podcast clip began circulating widely online. In his statement, Skattebo acknowledged the gravity of the situation without making excuses for his initial comments.
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…
— cameron skattebo (@camskattebo5) March 21, 2026
What Sparked the Cam Skattebo CTE Controversy
The controversy ignited when a clip from the Bring the Juice podcast went viral over the weekend, showing the Giants running back casually dismissing a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. Given Skattebo’s reputation for a physical, head‑first running style, many listeners initially believed he was being serious rather than sarcastic. His history of viral moments, including a pregame ritual of banging his head into a brick wall at Arizona State, added fuel to the fire.
The timing was particularly sensitive, as the NFL has spent years trying to address player safety following the posthumous CTE diagnoses of legends like Junior Seau and Aaron Hernandez. Skattebo’s remarks seemed to dismiss those very real struggles, prompting immediate calls for accountability.
Public Reaction to Cam Skattebo’s CTE Remarks
The public reaction was swift and fierce, though not entirely without sympathy. Among the most poignant responses came from Garrett Webster, the son of late Pittsburgh Steelers legend Mike Webster, who suffered from CTE. “Mr Skattebo, my father was Mike Webster … Please understand CTE has destroyed the lives of many former players and their families. Be better in the future,” he wrote on X.
In a surprising turn, the player’s mother, Becky Skattebo, came to his defense. Revealing that she suffers from asthma, she explained that her son’s sarcasm came from years of having to “run and get mom’s inhaler.” She noted that people were bound to “spin something sooner or later in a direction it was never intended to go.” Despite the familial defense, the incident served as a reminder of the need for accountability within the Giants organization under new head coach John Harbaugh.