This past weekend, a major controversy erupted in the NFL following comments made by New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo during a podcast appearance. As soon as those remarks surfaced, they went viral in a very negative way for the player representing the Big Apple franchise.
The statements were widely criticized for lacking sensitivity and tact toward people who have suffered from health issues, particularly in relation to what Skattebo said this past Saturday, March 21, 2026.
Cam Skattebo’s comments
During the podcast in which the Giants player participated, he was asked whether the complications associated with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and asthma were real concerns. In response, Skattebo dismissed them as excuses.
The podcast where he made these unfortunate remarks was Bring the Juice with Frank Dalena. Once his comments became public, the reaction was immediate. Among those who responded was former NFL player Emmanuel Acho.
That’s not something that you joke with, that’s not something that you play with.””That’s not something that you play about. Furthermore, you knew what y’all were doing, because it was a beautiful edit in the Instagram reel sound effects and everything.
Acho said and added.
So to me, even when I see on social media, like, oh, he must have CTE. That’s just not something to me that you play with, particularly you Cam Skattebo, because you play the type of game that scientists would suggest lend itself to CTE based upon the contact after contact after contact. If anybody shouldn’t be making a joke, you, Scattebo, shouldn’t be making a joke.
Even a day after the unfortunate remarks, the player’s mother posted a message defending her son.
For many former NFL players, the issue is deeply personal, as they have revealed suffering complications related to CTE. According to the Boston University CTE Center, 91.7% of former league players who were studied were diagnosed with the condition.
Cam Skattebo apologizes for his comments on CTE and asthma
Shortly after making the irresponsible claim that CTE was an excuse, and following the widespread backlash, Skattebo issued an apology through a post on X, where he admitted to a “lapse in judgment.”
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!!!
Perhaps this controversy has not yet reached its conclusion and may continue to linger for some time before fading away.
Read the full article here
