Giants Player Apologizes for Calling CTE and Asthma 'Fake'

Cam Skattebo walked back his controversial comments after receiving backlash.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:23pm

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New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo, 24, apologized for comments he made on a podcast where he called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) an 'excuse' and asthma 'fake'. Skattebo faced criticism for downplaying the seriousness of these medical conditions and has since said he made a 'tasteless joke' that he regrets.

Why it matters

CTE is a serious brain disease linked to repeated head injuries in contact sports like football, while asthma is a common chronic respiratory condition. Skattebo's comments dismissing these conditions as 'fake' drew backlash, as they could be seen as minimizing the experiences of those suffering from these real and debilitating health issues.

The details

During a March 12 appearance on the Bring The Juice podcast, host Frank Delana asked Skattebo if he believed CTE was real, to which Skattebo replied 'No, it's an excuse'. He also stated 'asthma's fake, too'. Skattebo later apologized on X, saying he made a 'tasteless joke' and did not intend to downplay the seriousness of head injuries or asthma.

  • On March 12, Skattebo made the controversial comments on the Bring The Juice podcast.
  • On March 21, Skattebo posted an apology on X for his previous remarks.

The players

Cam Skattebo

A 24-year-old running back for the New York Giants who faced backlash for dismissing CTE and asthma as 'fake'.

Frank Delana

The host of the Bring The Juice podcast where Skattebo made his controversial comments.

New York Giants

The NFL team that Cam Skattebo plays for.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Cam Skattebo

The takeaway

Skattebo's comments dismissing CTE and asthma as 'fake' drew strong criticism, highlighting the need for public figures to be more mindful and respectful when discussing serious medical conditions. His apology and acknowledgment of the harm his words could cause is an important step, but the incident underscores the responsibility athletes and celebrities have to use their platforms responsibly.