NFL player Cam Skattebo’s controversial denial of CTE and asthma legitimacy sparks backlash and apology
Consensus Summary
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo faced widespread criticism after dismissing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and asthma as 'fake' during a podcast appearance. Skattebo, a 2025 rookie, called CTE an 'excuse' and suggested asthma sufferers 'just breathe air,' sparking backlash given the scientific consensus on both conditions. CTE, linked to repeated head trauma, has been found in nearly all examined former NFL players, while asthma is a chronic respiratory disease affecting millions. Skattebo later apologized on social media, framing his remarks as a 'tasteless joke' and clarifying he did not intend to downplay the seriousness of either condition. His mother, who is asthmatic, defended his apology, sharing personal anecdotes about his experiences with her inhaler. The controversy highlights the tension between public figures’ statements and the medical realities of conditions tied to sports like football.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Cam Skattebo is a 24-year-old running back for the New York Giants, a fourth-round pick from Arizona State in the 2025 NFL draft
- Skattebo made comments on the Bring the Juice podcast dismissing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) as an 'excuse' and asthma as 'fake', stating 'Yeah, asthma’s fake too' and 'just breathe air'
- CTE is a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head trauma, marked by abnormal tau protein buildup and symptoms including cognitive decline, mood changes, and dementia; it can only be diagnosed posthumously
- A 2017 Boston University study found CTE in 110 of 111 former NFL players examined, with the NFL acknowledging a link between football and CTE in 2016
- Skattebo’s rookie season in 2025 included 410 rushing yards and five touchdowns across eight games before an ankle injury ended it early
- Skattebo apologized on social media (X) for his comments, calling them a 'tasteless joke' and stating he did not intend to downplay seriousness
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The article notes Skattebo’s comments were made during a recent podcast appearance without specifying the exact date
- The article highlights a 2023 Boston University study finding CTE in roughly 92% of former NFL players examined, while the 2017 study is referenced in Article 2
- The Giants have not publicly commented on Skattebo’s remarks
- The article emphasizes Skattebo’s physical running style made him popular with Giants fans in his rookie season, scoring seven touchdowns
- Skattebo’s mother, Becky Skattebo, replied to his apology post, revealing she is asthmatic and shared personal anecdotes about her son’s experiences with her inhaler ('run and get mom’s inhaler')
- The article clarifies Skattebo’s apology was posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, while Article 1 does not specify the platform or day
- The article states Skattebo scored seven touchdowns in his rookie season, while Article 1 mentions five touchdowns
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- Article 1 states Skattebo finished with five touchdowns in his rookie season, but Article 2 claims he scored seven touchdowns
- Article 1 references a 2023 Boston University study finding CTE in roughly 92% of former NFL players, while Article 2 cites a 2017 study with 110 of 111 players affected
- Article 1 does not mention Skattebo’s mother’s response or her personal experience with asthma, which is detailed in Article 2
Source Articles
‘It’s an excuse’: New York Giants’ Cam Skattebo says CTE and asthma are ‘fake’
Skattebo calls CTE and asthma ‘fake’ on podcast Comments draw backlash citing medical consensus Giants have not publicly responded to remarks New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo is facing backla...
Giants’ Cam Skattebo says his denial of CTE and asthma were part of a ‘tasteless joke’
Running back retracts comments he gave on podcast Player’s mother says she is asthmatic New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo has apologized for saying that chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) ...