The internet really woke up one day and said, “You know what we need? Random medical theories about football players.” And somehow, Cam Skattebo ended up right in the middle of it.
Yes, the New York Giants player has finally spoken out about those wild CTE claims floating around online.
Despite the neurodegenerative brain disease, which is caused by repeated blows to the head, being found in 345 of 376 deceased NFL players, the Giants running back said when asked if he believes it’s real: ‘No, [CTE] is an excuse.’
And he didn’t stop there. Skattebo also went on to dismiss the medical reality of asthma, calling the breathing disease ‘fake.’
After coming under fire over his comments, the 24-year-old took to Instagram to issue an apology.
‘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 and asthma,’ Skattebo wrote on his story.
‘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!!!’
Before he walked back his controversial claims, several critics took aim at Skattebo on social media.
‘WTF brain damage and lung issues aren’t excuses lmao,’ one social media user wrote, replying to a clip of the interview.
‘Come on @camskattebo5 please be careful,’ another urged. ‘You play so hard though! Mad respect. Fun to watch you.’
At the end of the day, this whole situation is a perfect example of how fast things spiral online. One comment turns into a rumor. The rumor turns into a “story.” And suddenly, the person at the center of it has to come out and speak.
