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NFL player Cam Skattebo apologized for comments he made about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and asthma
The New York Giants running back received backlash for saying the conditions were “fake” and an “excuse” during the March 12 episode of the Bring The Juice podcast
Skattebo, 24, walked back his comments and said he made a “tasteless joke” in an X post on March 21
New York Giants player Cam Skattebo apologized for saying asthma and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) are not real.
Skattebo, 24, walked back his comments in an X post on Saturday, March 21, writing, “I recently did an interview and had a lapse in judgment, which resulted in me making a tasteless joke about CTE and asthma.”
The running back continued, “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.”
“Much love !!!” he wrote at the end of his message.
Skattebo made his controversial comments during an appearance on the March 12 episode of the Bring The Juice podcast hosted by Frank Delana.
Cam Skattebo during an NFL game on Oct. 26, 2025
Credit: Perry Knotts/Getty
At one point during the conversation, Delana asked the running back if he believed CTE was real.
“No, it’s an excuse,” Skattebo replied, later adding, “asthma’s fake, too.”
CTE is a brain disease believed to be caused by repeated head injuries over time, and it has been found in the brains of people who played sports like football and boxing, per the Mayo Clinic.
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Symptoms of CTE include trouble thinking, memory loss, impulse control problems and aggression, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The NFL acknowledged a link between football and CTE in 2016, and the league has since worked to make the game safer for players.
Meanwhile, asthma affects approximately 8.6% of adults and 6.5% of children, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
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Approximately 3,700 people die of asthma in the U.S. each year, per the CDC.
Representatives for the NFL and the Giants did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.
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