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.