Giants RB Skattebo Dismisses CTE and Asthma as Fake

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo ignited widespread criticism after dismissing chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, and asthma as nonexistent conditions during a recent podcast appearance.

The 24-year-old second-year player made the remarks on the "Bring The Juice" podcast, hosted by Frank Dalena, in an episode that aired earlier this month. When Dalena asked if Skattebo believed CTE was real, the running back replied, "No. It's an excuse." The conversation then shifted to asthma, with Dalena calling it an excuse as well. Skattebo agreed, stating, "That's a good take. Asthma is fake." He added, "Just literally breathe air," while Dalena suggested those affected should "be better."

The comments, which surfaced online around March 21, quickly drew backlash from fans, reporters, and former players on social media platforms. Many labeled the statements ignorant and disrespectful, particularly given CTE's established link to repeated head trauma in football. One critic, former Giants defensive end Damontre Moore, who played for the team from 2013 to 2015, posted on Instagram that the remarks were "the most ignorant statement" he had heard, urging Skattebo to observe the...