New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo is at the center of a social media storm this weekend, and it has nothing to do with football.
Skattebo, selected out of Arizona State in the 2025 NFL Draft, dismissed both CTE and asthma as fake on the “Bring the Juice” podcast with host Frank Dalena.
The episode aired on March 12, but the comments went viral on Saturday, drawing criticism from fans, reporters and medical advocates across social media.
Skattebo posted a public apology the same day.
What Skattebo Said During His “Bring the Juice” Podcast Appearance
Skattebo joined Dalena to talk about his offseason recovery, but the 18-minute conversation covered far more ground than football.
The two discussed Skattebo’s aggressive personality on and off the field, including a childhood story about running into telephone poles while wearing pads.
Skattebo could not confirm or deny whether that story was true. From there, Dalena turned the conversation toward CTE.
Dalena asked Skattebo point-blank if he believed CTE was “a real thing.” Skattebo replied, “No. It’s an excuse.”
The host followed by suggesting that asthma is also an excuse. Skattebo agreed: “Yeah. Asthma’s fake.” He then added, “Just literally breathe air.”
The backlash also arrived with some history. While sidelined last season with injuries, Skattebo appeared at a “WWE Monday Night Raw” event and participated in full-contact activity, drawing questions about his off-field judgment well before Saturday.
As the backlash built on Saturday, Skattebo wrote on X:
“I recently did an interview and had a lapse in judgment, which resulted in me making a tasteless joke about CTE and asthma. 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. MUCH LOVE.”
Skattebo is still working back from an ankle dislocation and ruptured deltoid ligament sustained in Week 8 of last season.
He told “The Rich Eisen Show” earlier this month that he was jogging at roughly 75% of his running speed.
With a new coaching staff under head coach John Harbaugh and durability concerns already in the picture, the Giants need no additional off-field noise.
