Cam Skattebo apologizes for ‘tasteless’ comments as new Giants regime eyes NFL Draft replacement

Cam Skattebo has apologized for ‘a lapse in judgement’ after he expressed doubts over Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and asthma being ‘real.’

The New York Giants running back made the ‘tasteless joke’ during a recent interview on the Bring the Juice podcast.

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Skattebo was asked by host Frank Dalena if he believed CTE — a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head trauma — is a ‘real thing.’

“No,” he replied. “It’s an excuse.”

He later added that ‘asthma’s fake too’ and suggested at one point that people should ‘just breathe air.’

Skattebo’s comments quickly went viral online, and sparked widespread condemnation.

The Giants star, who suffered a serious ankle injury during his rookie NFL season, has since apologized for the remarks.

Cam Skattebo sorry for ‘lapse in judgement’

Taking to social media to address the backlash, Skattebo wrote: “I recently did an interview and had a lapse in judgement, 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!!!”

Skattebo’s comments could prove damaging for the NFL. The league first acknowledged a direct link between football and CTE in 2016.

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Medical experts continue to do research on the disease to better understand it, as well as to develop tests that can potentially catch it in its earliest stages.

However, according to the Mayo Clinic, the only way to definitively diagnose CTE is after death, during an autopsy of the brain.

A study from Boston University in 2023 found signs of CTE in about 92 percent of ex-NFL players whose brains were analyzed.

Skattebo’s comments on asthma also drew backlash.

The condition does not have the strong link to football like CTE, but it affects millions of Americans.

Skattebo entered the NFL as the 105th overall pick of the 2025 draft, and rushed for 410 yards and five touchdowns in his first eight games.

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He also racked up 24 receptions for 207 yards and two scores before going down with a dislocated ankle against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The 24-year-old is working towards a return in 2026, but could be joined by another young running back in New York.

Giants could turn to Notre Dame star in NFL draft

In his latest mock, NFL Draft analyst Chad Reuter has the Giants selecting Jeremiyah Love with the fifth overall pick next month.

Reuter wrote: “It’s still possible John Harbaugh goes for a defensive back like Caleb Downs, mirroring his selections while in Baltimore.

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“An explosive playmaker like Love might be too good to pass up, though, as defenses will need to stay in their gaps on run plays and securely tackle in the open field to prevent the former Notre Dame star from breaking away for big gains.”

In his three years at South Bend, 20-year-old Love amassed a total of 2,882 yards and 36 touchdowns.

His 2025 season was particularly impressive, with 1,372 yards and 18 scores in just 12 games. He added 280 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver.

Giants legend Phil Simms, who won two Super Bowls as quarterback in New York, believes Love has the ability to ‘transform’ the franchise.

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“I think that when you draft a running back that high, they can turn your team around probably faster than the quarterback can,” he said, in a recent ‘Simms Spotlight’ segment for ESPN New York.

“You want to change your team quickly, a running back can do it just about as fast as any player on the team. (That and a) big-time pass rusher are the two guys that I kind of say that about.”

Should Love arrive next month, Skattebo’s situation becomes muddied.

The pair could form a dynamic backfield duo, with the latter’s powerful running style complimented by Love’s finesse and explosiveness.

On the other hand, the Giants taking a RB with a top-five pick would suggest new HC Harbaugh is looking for someone else to lead the ground game next season, despite an impressive showing from Skattebo in 2025.

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