Giants’ Cam Skattebo apologizes amid CTE comment backlash

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

22 March 2026 at 03:00

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo is coming forward with an apology after some stunning comments made during a podcast appearance on Bring The Juice with Frank Dalena.

Skattebo was asked about his thoughts on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), when he shared his thoughts that CTE is “fake” and used as “an excuse.” He also claimed asthma was fake, and if kids are “huffing and puffing,” that they are just soft.

“You’re soft. Just literally breathe air,” the NFL star said.

MORE: Giants star Cam Skattebo receives NFL backlash over outlandish CTE take

After catching heat for his comments, Skattebo took to social media on Saturday to issue an apology.

Jan 31, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Former Arizona State Sun Devils football player Cam Skattebo in attendance of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“I recently did an interview and had a lapse in judgment, which resulted in me making a tasteless joke about CTE and asthma,” Skattebo wrote on X. “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.”

Not only were Skattebo’s comments tasteless, but they were factually incorrect. According to a report from the Boston University CTE Center in 2023, 91.7 percent of the former NFL players it studied were diagnosed with CTE.