NY Giants RB Cam Skattebo calls CTE and asthma 'fake', later says it was a joke

NY Giants player Cam Skattebo caused anger by saying CTE and asthma are fake. He later said it was a joke and apologized.
By Newsroom | Sports, NFL |

New York Giants Running Back Cam Skattebo ignited a firestorm by dismissing Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) as "an excuse" and asthma as "fake" during a podcast appearance. He later issued an apology, labeling the comments a "tasteless joke," but not before facing widespread criticism from fans, health advocates, and former players.

Skattebo's initial remarks, made on the 'Bring The Juice' podcast, questioned the reality of CTE, a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head trauma, and dismissed asthma as a non-existent ailment. These statements drew immediate backlash due to the well-documented and often devastating impact these conditions have on individuals, particularly within the context of contact sports like football.

New York Giants star Cam Skattebo comes under fire after controversially claiming brain disease 'isn't real' - 1

Controversy and Retraction

The controversy erupted following Skattebo's assertion that CTE is merely "an excuse." He echoed this sentiment regarding asthma, stating it was "valid" to consider it an excuse. These comments were made on a podcast alongside host Frank Dalena.

New York Giants star Cam Skattebo comes under fire after controversially claiming brain disease 'isn't real' - 2

After significant public outcry, Skattebo took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to retract his statements. He admitted that his remarks were part of a "tasteless joke" and apologized for the "disgusting" and "baseless" comments. His mother, Becky Skattebo, who reportedly suffers from asthma, defended him, suggesting his remarks were intended sarcastically and noting her own experience with the respiratory condition.

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New York Giants star Cam Skattebo comes under fire after controversially claiming brain disease 'isn't real' - 3

Expert and Public Reaction

The claims prompted sharp criticism. Former NFL Pro Bowler Gerald McCoy publicly slammed Skattebo, referencing former teammates who have suffered the consequences of CTE. Medical experts and advocates highlight that CTE can only be definitively diagnosed posthumously and has been identified in numerous former football players, including notable figures like Junior Seau and Aaron Hernandez. Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, affects millions globally and can be life-threatening.

New York Giants star Cam Skattebo comes under fire after controversially claiming brain disease 'isn't real' - 4

Background

Cam Skattebo, entering his second season with the New York Giants, had a standout rookie campaign, accumulating 410 rushing yards and five touchdowns in eight games before a season-ending ankle injury. This incident is not the first time Skattebo has been in the news for off-field matters, though the specifics of prior "off-field antics" or "discipline related to head injury protocols" are not detailed in the provided reports. The NFL and the Giants have not issued public statements regarding Skattebo's remarks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did New York Giants player Cam Skattebo say about CTE and asthma on a podcast?
Cam Skattebo said that CTE, a brain disease, is 'an excuse' and that asthma is 'fake'. He made these comments on the 'Bring The Juice' podcast.
Q: Why did Cam Skattebo's comments about CTE and asthma cause anger?
People were angry because CTE is a serious brain disease linked to football, and asthma affects many people. His comments were seen as not caring about these health issues.
Q: What did Cam Skattebo say after people got angry about his comments?
Skattebo apologized on social media, saying his comments were a 'tasteless joke'. He said he was sorry for the 'disgusting' and 'baseless' things he said.
Q: What was the reaction from former NFL players and experts to Skattebo's comments?
Former NFL player Gerald McCoy criticized Skattebo. Medical experts and advocates pointed out that CTE is a real disease found in many former football players, and asthma is a real and sometimes dangerous illness.
Q: Has the NFL or the New York Giants commented on Cam Skattebo's remarks?
No, the NFL and the New York Giants have not made any public statements about Cam Skattebo's comments on CTE and asthma or his later apology.