New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo apologized for making tasteless jokes about CTE and asthma during a podcast interview. The 24-year-old back called CTE "an excuse" and agreed with the host that asthma is "fake too," drawing criticism from medical professionals and fans who took the comments seriously.

Medical studies have shown the dangers of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, with a 2023 Boston University finding over 40% of young athletes exposed to repetitive head impacts were diagnosed with the degenerative brain disease. The study examined 152 donated brains and highlighted how the condition affects primarily football players at various levels.

Skattebo's mother defended his comments as sarcasm, recalling how he frequently needed her inhaler as a child. The running back assured followers he'll be "more mindful and respectful going forward" after his remarks sparked backlash about medical sensitivity in professional sports, where many players have been diagnosed with CTE posthumously.