Giants' Cam Skattebo says CTE and asthma are fake, calls them an 'excuse'
NFL player Cam Skattebo dismissed CTE and asthma as 'excuses,' contradicting established medical consensus and the league's player safety efforts.
Mehmet Şahinoğlu ·
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo recently asserted that Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and asthma are not genuine medical conditions, characterizing them as mere "excuses." These remarks were made during his appearance on the "Bring The Juice" podcast as he prepares for his second season in the National Football League.
Skattebo's statements diverge significantly from established medical and scientific consensus regarding both conditions. CTE, a degenerative brain disease, has been extensively linked to repetitive head trauma, particularly in contact sports like American football. The NFL itself officially acknowledged a connection between playing football and CTE in 2016, following years of research and public pressure.
Medical Consensus on CTE
Research from institutions such as Boston University's CTE Center has consistently documented the prevalence of the condition among former football players. A 2023 study, for instance, identified CTE in 92% of post-mortem brain analyses conducted on former NFL players. This body of evidence underscores the severity and reality of the condition, which can lead to cognitive impairment, behavioral changes, and other neurological symptoms.
Understanding Asthma as a Medical Condition
Similarly, asthma is widely recognized as a chronic respiratory condition affecting millions globally. The American Lung Association, among other health organizations, identifies various contributing factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental allergens, and air pollution. It is a serious lung condition that can be life-threatening if not properly managed.
NFL's Player Safety Initiatives
The NFL has invested considerable resources into player safety initiatives over the past decade. These efforts include significant rule modifications aimed at reducing head impacts and the introduction of protective equipment like guardian caps. The league reported in 2025 that these measures have led to a notable reduction in concussion incidents, reflecting a commitment to addressing player health concerns.
Skattebo's public dismissal of these conditions could attract scrutiny, especially given the league's ongoing focus on player welfare and the substantial scientific evidence supporting the existence and impact of both CTE and asthma. Neither the New York Giants organization nor the NFL has issued an official response to the player's comments.
Implications
Country Impact: The comments could fuel public debate in the United States regarding athlete health and the responsibilities of sports leagues to protect players, potentially influencing policy discussions on sports safety.
Industry Impact: For the sports industry, particularly professional football, such statements risk undermining ongoing player safety initiatives and public trust in the league's commitment to addressing long-term health risks.
Market Impact: While direct market impact is unlikely, sustained controversy over player health could indirectly affect fan engagement, sponsorship deals, and the league's brand reputation over time.