Negligence Claims and the $300,000 “Golf Cart Incident”

As of March 2026, former Arizona State University (ASU) star running back Cam Skattebo remains a central defendant in a significant personal injury lawsuit stemming from a 2023 practice incident. Filed in the Maricopa County Superior Court, the case (Katergaris v. Arizona Board of Regents, et al.) alleges that Skattebo’s negligent actions led to a career-ending injury for a former teammate. While Skattebo has transitioned to the NFL, currently serving as a key player for the New York Giants, the legal proceedings in Arizona have intensified following a year of “service by publication” and unsuccessful mediation attempts. The case is now moving toward a 2026 pretrial phase that could have substantial financial implications for the young pro.

The Allegations: The July 2023 Practice Incident

The lawsuit, brought by former ASU walk-on offensive lineman Mattheos Katergaris, centers on an event that occurred on July 31, 2023. According to the complaint, Katergaris and another player were seated on the rear bench of a golf cart following a team practice. The suit alleges that Skattebo “jumped on the back of the golf cart” and “jumped up and down on the rear bench” while the vehicle was in motion. This action reportedly caused the bench to collapse, throwing Katergaris to the ground and resulting in a 90% rupture of his distal triceps tendon. Katergaris, who has since undergone surgery and months of physical therapy, claims the injury effectively ended his football career and left him with permanent physical impairment.

Service by Publication and Legal “Dodging” Claims

Throughout 2025, the case gained national attention not just for the allegations, but for the difficulty Katergaris’s legal team faced in serving Skattebo with the lawsuit. Attorney Neil Udulutch stated in March 2025 that process servers were unable to locate Skattebo at his known addresses in Arizona, California, or Florida during his preparation for the NFL Draft. Consequently, the court granted a “last resort” motion to serve Skattebo by publication, which involved publishing the summons in a Maricopa County newspaper for four consecutive weeks. By early 2026, Skattebo’s legal representation has finally engaged with the court, arguing that the incident was an “unfortunate accident” rather than an act of gross negligence.

• Damages Sought: Katergaris is seeking at least $300,000 to cover unpaid medical bills, future treatment, and pain and suffering.
• The “600-Pound Limit”: The lawsuit notes that ASU players were explicitly warned about a 600-pound weight limit on the carts; the plaintiffs argue Skattebo’s additional weight and movement directly caused the structural failure.
• Joint Liability: Both Skattebo and the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) are named as defendants, though ABOR has filed for dismissal based on qualified immunity and the argument that the university already provided initial medical care.

2026 Status: NFL Success Amidst Legal Background

While the lawsuit remains active, Cam Skattebo has focused on his professional career. After a breakout rookie season with the New York Giants in 2025—which was unfortunately cut short by a Week 8 ankle injury—Skattebo is currently in rehab and expected to be 100% for the 2026 training camp. In a March 2026 appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, Skattebo confirmed he has begun “jogging and striding out,” signaling his readiness for the upcoming season. However, legal analysts suggest that his transition to a lucrative NFL contract may have influenced the timing of the lawsuit’s amendment to include him personally as a defendant.

Internal Linking and Corporate/Individual Liability

The Skattebo case is a prime example of the 2026 trend where individual athletes and influencers are held personally liable for actions previously shielded by institutional oversight. This parallels the Shannon Sharpe lawsuit settlement, which similarly dealt with high-value personal claims. For those interested in how state boards and federal entities handle such disputes, the Newsom v. Trump National Guard lawsuit and the Perkins Coie lawsuit provide broader context on institutional accountability. Additionally, the Bill Miller Bar-B-Q lawsuit offers a similar look at personal injury negligence in a commercial setting.

Conclusion: What’s Next in the 2026 Court Cycle?

The next major milestone in Katergaris v. Skattebo is a court-mandated pretrial conference scheduled for late 2026. If a settlement is not reached by this time, the case could proceed to a jury trial in 2027. For Skattebo, the resolution of this suit is critical to clearing his off-field record as he moves into the second year of his NFL career. Katergaris’s team continues to insist that the “truth of the matter” regarding the severity of the injury and the lack of university-provided surgery will lead to a favorable verdict. We will continue to provide updates as the Maricopa County Superior Court filings become public during the 2026 spring and summer sessions.