American Football
Giants RB Cam Skattebo sparks backlash - what happens next?
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In an unforgiving league where one bad offseason story can become a bigger deal than it needs to be, Cam Skattebo's ill-judged comments during a podcast appearance raise a question worth exploring.
How much damage, if any, has actually been done to his standing with the New York Giants?
Here, we look at what he said - and whether it will have any real impact on his future with Big Blue.
Skattebo's lapse in judgment, quickly addressed
Appearing on the Bring the Juice podcast, Skattebo was asked whether he thinks Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is real.
"No, it's an excuse," he said.
Skattebo's was widely criticised for his comment, and rightfully so. CTE is a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head impacts, and one that hits close to home in the NFL.
He also agreed with the suggestion that asthma is fabricated. "Yes, asthma's fake too," he said, before adding, "You're just soft."
The 24-year-old quickly backtracked.
His mother, Becky Skattebo, offered some context on X, writing: "If only people knew how many times Cam had to 'run and get mom's inhaler' they'd realize the sarcasm."
Sarcasm or not, his comments were insensitive; there's no getting around that. And, while the young running back handled it correctly in the aftermath, it's a reminder that platforms come with responsibility.
Will Skattebo's comments affect his role?
Skattebo rushed for 410 yards and five touchdowns in just eight games as a rookie, offering a glimpse of exactly the kind of physical, between-the-tackles runner the Giants have been lacking.
His hard-nosed style and the obvious chemistry he had with fellow rookie Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart created not only a cult following but also gave Giants fans genuine hope for the future.
Skattebo has undoubtedly landed himself in hot water right now, but New York isn't walking away from what he brings to the table.
The more pressing question is what happens at pick five in April, where some mock drafts have the Giants selecting Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love, and whether this story plays any part in that decision.
Whether it was a bad joke, a lapse in judgment, or simply a sarcastic comment, we believe Skattebo's standing with the Giants is unlikely to take a lasting hit.
