New York Giants' Cam Skattebo apologizes over bad joke about CTE, asthma

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo has issued an apology following controversial remarks he made about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and asthma during a recent appearance on the Bring the Juice podcast , hosted by Frank Dalena. In the discussion, Skattebo described CTE—a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma—as "an excuse" rather than a legitimate condition. He similarly dismissed asthma, calling it "fake" or "an excuse" and suggesting affected individuals could simply "breathe air.

" The comments, delivered in a casual, off-the-cuff manner, aligned with Skattebo's established "knucklehead" persona, where he often leans into bold, humorous schtick for entertainment. The remarks quickly circulated online after the podcast episode surfaced, drawing criticism from fans and observers sensitive to the serious health implications of head injuries in football and respiratory conditions like asthma. CTE, in particular, has been a focal point in NFL discussions, with extensive research linking it to long-term player safety concerns.

Skattebo addressed the backlash on social media. 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… — cameron skattebo (@camskattebo5) March 21, 2026 While the joke reflected his lighthearted style, the episode serves as a reminder that, as a professional athlete in a high-profile league, even playful comments on sensitive topics can carry unintended weight and provoke strong reactions in today's environment. This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants' Cam Skattebo apologizes over bad joke about CTE, asthma