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Giants RB Skattebo Apologizes for CTE Remarks, Criticism Follows

3/23/2026

31 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Cam Skattebo, New York Giants running back, apologized for downplaying chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and asthma in a podcast interview.
He called CTE an "excuse" and described asthma as "fake."
In a social media post, Skattebo acknowledged a "lapse in judgment" and regret for his "tasteless joke."
The remarks drew criticism and highlighted the risks that CTE and asthma pose to athletes, raising concerns about player safety in football.

History

Historical Context

The NFL's awareness of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) intensified after a 2016 study revealed that 87 of 91 examined former players had the disease. This scrutiny follows decades of negligence, dating back to the 1994 formation of the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Committee, which initially downplayed concussion risks. The ongoing stigma surrounding CTE highlights the urgent need for education on long-term health impacts in sports.

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Story summary

Cam Skattebo, New York Giants running back, apologized for downplaying chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and asthma in a podcast interview.
He called CTE an "excuse" and described asthma as "fake."
In a social media post, Skattebo acknowledged a "lapse in judgment" and regret for his "tasteless joke."
The remarks drew criticism and highlighted the risks that CTE and asthma pose to athletes, raising concerns about player safety in football.

1 / 2