NFL player Cam Skattebo’s controversial denial of CTE and asthma legitimacy sparks backlash
Consensus Summary
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo faced widespread backlash after dismissing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and asthma as 'fake' during a podcast interview in 2025. Skattebo, then 24, called CTE an 'excuse' and suggested people 'just breathe air' regarding asthma, sparking criticism 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 life-threatening 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 the conditions. His mother, who is asthmatic, defended his comments as sarcastic, sharing personal anecdotes about her son’s experiences with the condition. Skattebo had a standout rookie season in 2025, scoring seven touchdowns and rushing for 410 yards before an ankle injury ended his campaign. The NFL and medical studies have long acknowledged the risks of CTE in football, while asthma remains a prevalent and potentially fatal health issue, underscoring the gravity of Skattebo’s remarks despite his later apology.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Cam Skattebo, a 24-year-old New York Giants running back, dismissed chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) as an 'excuse' and asthma as 'fake' during a Bring the Juice podcast appearance in 2025
- Skattebo’s comments included the statement 'Yeah, asthma’s fake too' and 'just breathe air'
- CTE is a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head trauma, with symptoms including mood swings, depression, suicidal thoughts, and memory loss
- A 2017 study found CTE in 110 of 111 former football players examined, and the NFL acknowledged a link between football and CTE in 2016
- Skattebo scored seven touchdowns and ran for 410 yards in his rookie season (2025) before an ankle injury ended it
- Skattebo apologized on X (formerly Twitter) for his comments, calling them a 'tasteless joke' and stating he did not intend to downplay the seriousness of the conditions
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Skattebo’s mother, Becky Skattebo, replied to her son’s apology post, stating she is asthmatic and shared a personal anecdote about Cam needing her inhaler, framing his comments as sarcastic
- The article mentions Skattebo was a popular figure with Giants fans in his rookie season due to his physical running style
- The article includes a 2023 Boston University study finding evidence of CTE in roughly 92% of former NFL players whose brains were examined
- The article explicitly states the Giants have not publicly commented on Skattebo’s remarks
- The article highlights specific symptoms of CTE, including cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and dementia, and notes it can only be diagnosed posthumously
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- Article 1 states Skattebo’s apology was posted on X on Saturday, while Article 2 does not specify the date of the apology
- Article 1 references a 2017 study (110/111 former players with CTE) while Article 2 references a 2023 study (92% of former players with CTE evidence)
- Article 1 mentions Skattebo was a fourth-round pick out of Arizona State in 2025, but Article 2 does not repeat this detail
- Article 1 includes Skattebo’s mother’s specific response about inhalers, while Article 2 does not mention her reply at all
- Article 1 states Skattebo’s season ended due to an ankle injury, but Article 2 does not provide additional context about the injury’s nature or timing beyond the 2025 rookie season
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) ...