New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo has found himself in the spotlight once again—this time for remarks about CTE and asthma that sparked criticism and led to public apologies from both him and his mother.
The controversy began when Skattebo appeared on a podcast and was asked whether he believed chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) was real. He responded with a simple “No,” and went on to describe asthma as an “excuse.” The comments quickly drew backlash.
In response, Skattebo issued an apology on X, acknowledging that he had made a mistake. “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 he never intended to minimize the seriousness of head injuries or asthma, and offered a sincere apology to anyone offended by his remarks, adding that he would strive to be more thoughtful and respectful moving forward.
His mother, Becky Skattebo, also weighed in, offering context for her son’s comments. She suggested that his words were meant sarcastically, pointing out that few people know how often he had to grab her inhaler for her growing up. She noted that no matter what one says, it’s impossible to please everyone, and that remarks can easily be twisted away from their original intent.
The topics Skattebo touched on carry significant weight in the NFL. According to Fox News, CTE has been linked to repeated head trauma, with over 100 former players diagnosed posthumously. In Skattebo’s own locker room, quarterback Jaxson Dart dealt with multiple concussions last season and missed games as a result.
This incident is far from the first time Skattebo has drawn attention beyond football. Earlier this year, he made headlines by hinting at a possible future in WWE after his playing days, describing himself as a “pretty good actor.” Months prior, he went viral following a ringside altercation with WWE performers during a live event at Madison Square Garden—all while recovering from ankle surgery.
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