Tag: Arizona State football

  • Giants Cam Skattebo Accused of Causing Career-Ending Injury to Ex-Teammate

    Giants Cam Skattebo Accused of Causing Career-Ending Injury to Ex-Teammate

    New York Giants’ 4th-round pick Cam Skattebo is now facing off-field issues as he’s named in a lawsuit with a former Arizona State teammate, Mattheos Katergaris, who claims his football career was ended due to an injury he sustained during a team practice in 2023.

    According to court documents filed in Maricopa County Superior Court and reported by The Arizona Republic, Skattebo allegedly caused a golf cart to collapse while jumping on it during a break at practice, and Katergaris fell and was injured so badly that it ended his playing days.

    What Happened During the Incident?

    The incident occurred on July 31, 2023, during a practice with the Arizona State Sun Devils.

    Players were using a golf cart to transport gear or take a break, and Skattebo allegedly “jumped up and down” on the back of the cart, and it collapsed. Katergaris fell hard to the ground.

    Katergaris’ attorney, Neil Udulutch, described the injury:

    “He got a really bad laceration, essentially going all the way down to the bone in his elbow. It ruptured his distal triceps tendon 90% of the way — required surgery and months of physical therapy.”

    That injury, according to Katergaris, ended his football career.

    Legal Action Against Skattebo

    Initially, the lawsuit named the university and other individuals, but Katergaris amended the complaint twice and finally added Skattebo as a defendant on January 27, 2025.

    In the filing, it’s alleged that Skattebo owed Katergaris a “duty of care” — meaning he should have known his actions could cause harm. The suit claims Skattebo “breached this duty” by jumping on the cart multiple times and causing the structural failure and Katergaris’ injury.

    The lawsuit states:

    “Defendant Skattebo’s breach was the actual and proximate cause of Plaintiff’s injuries and damages.”

    Skattebo denies any wrongdoing. His attorney, Todd Rinner, responded to the allegations in the filing, saying Katergaris is not entitled to “any relief in any form whatsoever.”

    Rinner also asked the court to dismiss the case with prejudice — meaning it can’t be refiled — and to award Skattebo legal fees and interest.

    A pre-trial conference is scheduled for February 2026.

    Skattebo’s Role with the New York Giants

    Despite the off-field issues, Skattebo is still part of the Giants’ plans.

    Drafted in the 4th round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Skattebo has been praised by coaches for his physicality and versatility as a runner and receiver. He may not be the starter right away, but many think he can contribute early, especially in third-down situations and special teams.

    But this lawsuit could complicate things for both the player and the franchise as the story unfolds over the next few months.

    The Giants have not commented publicly on the situation, but sources close to the team say they’re keeping an eye on it.

    What This Means for Skattebo’s NFL Future?

    Legal issues off the field don’t automatically derail a player’s career — but they do draw attention, and in today’s media landscape, perception matters.

    For now, Skattebo is focusing on football, attending voluntary workouts, and trying to make a strong impression during training camp.

    But as the lawsuit moves toward resolution, questions will remain about how this affects his standing within the league and whether the Giants will eventually have to address the issue more directly.

    At this point, there are no indications that the team plans to distance itself from Skattebo — but everything could change depending on how the legal process plays out.

    Final Takeaway: Off-Field Drama Overshadows On-Field Potential

    While Cam Skattebo came into the NFL with high hopes, seen as a dynamic back with pass-catching ability and grit, this legal battle threatens to overshadow his early career.

    If found liable, the financial and reputational impact could be significant. If dismissed, it could fade into the background as Skattebo focuses on proving himself on the field.

    Until then, the Giants and their young running back must navigate what could become a growing distraction — one that could define how fans and analysts view him beyond just football.

  • Is Cam Skattebo the Next Saquon Barkley? His Highlights Say Yes

    Is Cam Skattebo the Next Saquon Barkley? His Highlights Say Yes

    Cam Skattebo wasn’t supposed to be the story this summer. A fourth-round pick out of Arizona State, he entered the New York Giants’ camp with little fanfare, overshadowed by higher-profile rookies and veterans alike.

    But as practices have unfolded, one name keeps coming up in locker room conversations and scout reports: Skattebo.

    He plays with a chip on his shoulder, a bruising running style, and a relentless work ethic that’s hard to ignore. And now, people are starting to notice — including scouts who see echoes of a familiar name when they watch him play.

    Yes, some are even asking: Is Skattebo the next Saquon Barkley?

    Not in terms of hype or draft pedigree — but in heart, versatility, and potential impact on the Giants’ offense.

    The Saquon Comparison – More Than Just Hype

    It’s easy to dismiss the comparison at first glance. Barkley was a No. 2 overall pick, a track star with rare athleticism and jaw-dropping highlight reels. Skattebo is none of those things — at least not in the same way.

    But what he lacks in pure speed, he makes up for in physicality, vision, and grit. He doesn’t dance around defenders — he runs through them.

    A NFC scout recently put it best:

    “Cam Skattebo is a name that keeps popping up, and for good reason. He’s got that underdog energy, and he doesn’t shy away from contact. He reminds you a bit of those classic workhorse backs — the ones who grind out yards and wear down defenses.”

    That kind of praise might not land him on a rookie card anytime soon, but it does something more important: it earns respect inside the building.

    And for a team still finding its identity after Barkley’s departure, that kind of player matters.

    A Backfield Wide Open

    With Saquon gone, the Giants’ backfield is no longer defined by one man’s dominance. Instead, it’s wide open, and Skattebo is taking full advantage.

    While fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy Jr. has drawn attention for his versatility and speed, questions remain about his durability and ability to handle a full workload. That leaves the door cracked — and Skattebo is walking right through it.

    His approach is simple: run hard, catch passes, block well, and contribute on special teams. There’s nothing flashy about it — just consistent, reliable football.

    And in the NFC East, where cold weather games and tough sledding define December football, that kind of player could become essential.

    Building Something With Jaxson Dart

    Skattebo isn’t the only rookie trying to make an early impression.

    Enter Jaxson Dart, the Giants’ young quarterback who also flew under the radar during the draft. Like Skattebo, Dart is determined to prove he belongs — and together, the two could form a gritty, hard-nosed duo capable of reshaping the Giants’ offensive identity.

    Head coach Brian Daboll loves players who maximize their skill set, and Skattebo fits that mold perfectly. Whether it’s picking up blitzes, converting short-yardage situations, or stretching the field as a receiver, Skattebo is showing he can do it all.

    If Dart earns the nod under center, having a back like Skattebo could give the offense a much-needed spark.

    What Coaches Are Saying

    Inside the facility, the buzz around Skattebo is growing.

    One anonymous assistant coach praised his football IQ and work ethic:

    “He might not be the fastest or most explosive guy out there, but he knows how to play the position. And that matters.”

    In a league obsessed with upside and ceiling, Skattebo is proving that preparation, consistency, and toughness still count for something.

    Final Thought: A Blueprint for Success

    Cam Skattebo isn’t trying to be the second coming of Saquon Barkley — but maybe that’s the point.

    Barkley brought flash. Skattebo brings fight.

    He’s not going to wow anyone with a 40-yard dash time, but he will earn every yard, take every hit, and do whatever it takes to help his team win.

    For Giants fans hungry for a new identity, Skattebo might be the kind of player they didn’t know they needed.

    And if he keeps showing up like this, it won’t be long before nobody overlooks him again.