Skattebo Faces Lawsuit Amidst NFL Draft Preparations
Arizona State University alumnus and star running back Cam Skattebo, poised for the upcoming 2025 NFL draft, finds himself embroiled in a legal battle. A lawsuit seeking over $300,000 has been filed against him by a former Sun Devils teammate, adding a layer of complexity to his already intense draft preparations. The plaintiff, Mattheos Katergaris, a former walk-on offensive lineman at Arizona State, alleges negligence resulting in injury stemming from an incident that occurred in July 2023.
The civil complaint, filed by attorney Neil Udulutch on behalf of Katergaris, names both Skattebo and the Arizona Board of Regents as defendants. The Board of Regents serves as the governing body overseeing the state’s public universities, adding another layer of complexity to the case. The core of the lawsuit revolves around an incident during a football practice where Skattebo allegedly jumped on the back of a golf cart, causing the back seat to break and Katergaris to fall and sustain significant injuries.
According to the legal documents, university policy stipulated that only two players were permitted to ride on a golf cart at any given time, and the cart had a weight limit of 600 pounds. At the time of the incident, the lawsuit claims two players were already on the cart when Skattebo allegedly boarded it.
The injuries suffered by Katergaris are described as severe. Udulutch detailed the extent of the injury, stating that Katergaris suffered a severe laceration that extended down to the bone in his elbow, and a 90 percent rupture of his distal triceps tendon. These injuries necessitated surgery and extensive physical therapy. Udulutch emphasized the severity of the injury, refuting initial reports that may have downplayed the impact on Katergaris’s well-being and athletic career.
The consequences of the injury have been significant for Katergaris, effectively ending his football career. Udulutch revealed that Katergaris is no longer able to play football and continues to experience pain more than a year after the incident. The attorney stated that Katergaris’s arm continues to cause him pain when he uses it, and its strength has not returned to its pre-injury levels. While acknowledging that some of the lingering effects may be attributed to the surgical procedure, Udulutch emphasized that Katergaris has not fully recovered. Despite rumors of a potential transfer, Katergaris did not pursue further opportunities in college football, a direct consequence of his injury.
Interestingly, Skattebo was not initially named in the complaint when it was first filed in May 2024. However, the complaint has since been amended twice, with the most recent amendment occurring on January 27, 2025, adding Skattebo as a defendant. This amendment came shortly after Skattebo concluded a successful senior season at Arizona State, during which he amassed 1,711 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, leading the Sun Devils to a College Football Playoff berth. His performance has significantly boosted his prospects for the upcoming 2025 NFL draft, with projections suggesting he could be selected early in the draft.
The timing of Skattebo’s addition to the lawsuit has raised eyebrows, prompting speculation about the motives behind the amendment. Udulutch, however, maintained that the timing was purely coincidental. He acknowledged the speculation but stated that he could not comment on the rationalization behind the timing. He explained that they became aware that Skattebo was allegedly on the back of the golf cart and jumping up and down, based on information provided by his client.
The Arizona Board of Regents, in their response to the complaint, acknowledged that they had reason to believe Skattebo boarded the back of the golf cart while two other players were already seated in the rear section. This admission could potentially strengthen Katergaris’s case.
Efforts to serve Skattebo with the legal paperwork have proven challenging. Process servers have been unable to locate him at his last known addresses in both Arizona and California. As a result, the court has granted permission for Udulutch to serve Skattebo by publication, a method that involves publishing the summons and complaint in a Maricopa County newspaper for four consecutive weeks.
Udulutch described this method of service as "archaic" and a "last resort." He explained that Skattebo has been difficult to locate, noting that he believed Skattebo was in Florida preparing for the NFL combine and later in Indianapolis. Udulutch expressed uncertainty about Skattebo’s current residence, suggesting he may be traveling frequently and staying in hotels. He hopes that Skattebo or his family will retain an attorney and cooperate with the legal process, but otherwise, they will be forced to proceed with service by publication.
The lawsuit presents a significant challenge for Skattebo as he prepares for the NFL draft. The legal proceedings could distract him from his training and create uncertainty about his future. The potential financial implications of the lawsuit could also impact his career. The lawsuit is a stark reminder of the potential legal and financial risks associated with athletic pursuits.
