New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo draws widespread criticism after dismissing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and asthma as mere excuses during a recent podcast appearance.
Podcast Remarks Ignite Debate
The 24-year-old second-year NFL player appeared on the ‘Bring The Juice’ podcast, where host Frank Dalena questioned his views on CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma in football.
Skattebo responded bluntly: “No, (CTE) is an excuse.” He extended his skepticism to asthma, agreeing with Dalena’s suggestion that it too serves as an invalid justification.
“That’s a good take,” Skattebo said. “Asthma is fake.”
Dalena added, “Is there anything worse than when you’re in fourth grade and someone is huffing and puffing? They’re just soft.” Skattebo concurred: “Yeah, literally just breathe air.”
Online Backlash Erupts
Fans quickly condemned Skattebo’s statements on social media. One user reacted, “WTF brain damage and lung issues aren’t excuses lmao.”
Another cautioned, “Come on @camskattebo5 please be careful. You play so hard though! Mad respect. Fun to watch you.” A sarcastic comment read, “Great take…. I’m sure that’s not the CTE talking…”
Offended responses included, “I almost lost my best friend to asthma. Hilarious man,” and criticism that athletes often lack formal education on such topics.
Understanding CTE
CTE represents a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative condition resulting from repeated head impacts, including concussions and sub-concussive hits. It garners intense focus in the NFL, with numerous former players diagnosed posthumously.
Research links CTE to elevated suicide rates among ex-NFL players. A Harvard University Football Players Study, published in the Journal of Neurotrauma, examined deaths over 40 years starting in 1979 across NFL, MLB, and NBA alumni.
Among 101 suicides, former NFL players showed disproportionate representation in the final decade, with rates 2.6 times higher than ex-NBA or MLB athletes. Notable cases include Junior Seau, Dave Duerson, and Ray Easterling.
Co-author Rachel Grashow emphasized multiple contributing factors beyond head trauma require further investigation. A 2024 study reveals one-third of former NFL players face issues like low testosterone, depression, and sleep apnea.
Skattebo’s Career Notes
Skattebo’s rookie season ended prematurely due to an ankle injury in October. He remains known for high-energy plays, including celebratory backflips after touchdowns.
Similar Recent Controversy
Earlier this month, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka addressed a fake social media account impersonating him that questioned CTE’s validity. Egbuka clarified on Instagram that the account held no affiliation with him, following fan backlash.
