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New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo has issued a public apology after controversial comments dismissing the existence of CTE and asthma during a recent podcast appearance.
The rookie phenom, who scored seven touchdowns in seven games before suffering a season-ending ankle injury, sparked outrage when he responded “No” to a direct question about whether CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) is “a real thing” on the “Bring The Juice” podcast.
“It’s an excuse,” Skattebo continued in the interview, before agreeing with the host’s suggestion that asthma is also fabricated. “Yeah. Asthma’s fake. … You’re just soft. Just breathe air,” he said.
As the podcast clip gained traction on social media, Skattebo quickly backtracked, posting an apology on his Instagram story. “I recently did an interview and had a lapse in judgment, which resulted in me making a tasteless joke about CTE and asthma,” he wrote. “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.”
The comments come at a particularly sensitive time for the NFL, which has faced increasing scrutiny over its handling of head injuries and player safety. According to Mayo Clinic, CTE is a progressive, degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head impacts. A University of Utah study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma found that more than 100 former NFL players have been posthumously diagnosed with the condition.
Ironically, Skattebo’s quarterback, Jaxson Dart, has been evaluated for concussions at least five times this season and missed two games after being diagnosed with one. In a revealing incident, Skattebo was previously fined for entering the medical tent while Dart was undergoing concussion evaluation.
The running back’s dismissive comments about serious medical conditions stand in stark contrast to his rising status as a fan favorite in New York. Despite standing several inches shorter than Giants legend Brandon Jacobs, Skattebo has drawn comparisons to the former power back for his aggressive running style. This hard-nosed approach helped him quickly win over the Giants faithful before his injury.
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Skattebo provided an update on his recovery from the gruesome ankle injury that ended his promising rookie campaign. “I feel good. Getting healthy, a couple months out, so I’m starting to put it in the past and get over the hard part and get back to work,” he said.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges the NFL faces in educating players about the serious health risks associated with the sport. While the league has implemented numerous rule changes and protocols to address concussions and head injuries, comments like Skattebo’s suggest there remains significant work to be done in changing attitudes about brain health within the player community.
The Giants organization has not yet issued a statement regarding their running back’s comments, but the team may face pressure to address the situation given the NFL’s public commitment to player safety initiatives and concussion awareness.
As Skattebo continues his rehabilitation with hopes of returning to form next season, this controversy serves as a reminder of the responsibility professional athletes carry as public figures whose words can influence perceptions about important health issues.
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10 Comments
Skattebo’s comments on CTE and asthma are very concerning and show a lack of understanding of these serious medical conditions. As an NFL player, he should be more informed and responsible in his statements, especially when it comes to player health and safety.
Agreed. Dismissing CTE as an ‘excuse’ is extremely troubling. Skattebo needs to retract his statements and educate himself on the science and impacts of traumatic brain injuries in football. The league should also do more to ensure players are properly informed.
These kinds of dismissive statements about serious medical conditions like CTE and asthma are concerning. Players’ health and safety should be the top priority, not minimizing the risks. Hope Skattebo educates himself on the science and impact of these issues.
Agree, his remarks were highly irresponsible. As a role model, he should be more thoughtful about the message he sends, especially on sensitive topics like brain injuries.
These kinds of claims that CTE and asthma are ‘fake’ or ‘excuses’ are very concerning, especially coming from an NFL player. Skattebo should retract his statements and work to educate himself on the science and impact of these conditions within the sport.
Agreed. His comments show a troubling disregard for player health and safety. The NFL needs to do more to ensure its athletes are informed about the risks and impacts of injuries like CTE.
Dismissing CTE as ‘just an excuse’ is highly irresponsible, especially for an NFL player. Skattebo needs to retract his statements and educate himself on the very real and serious impacts of head injuries in football. Player safety should be the top priority.
Absolutely. As a role model, Skattebo should be using his platform to raise awareness and understanding, not spread dangerous misinformation. He has a responsibility to correct the record and set a better example.
Skattebo’s comments are disappointing and show a lack of understanding. CTE is a well-documented condition that affects many former players. Dismissing it as an ‘excuse’ is both inaccurate and insensitive. He should retract his statements and educate himself further.
Absolutely. As a professional athlete, he has a responsibility to be informed and to use his platform responsibly. Spreading misinformation about serious medical issues is unacceptable.