Tag: Puka Nacua

Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) reacts after a catch against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

Rams WR Puka Nacua joins team for workouts

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was with the team for the start of the offseason program on Monday.

Nacua, who turns 25 in May, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and was considered a candidate for a possible holdout this offseason.

Nacua is an All-Pro who caught a league-high 129 passes for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns across 16 games for the Rams in 2025.

But he also has made headlines for less positive reasons.

Nacua had to apologize for a different antisemitic incident that took place earlier in December on a livestream with influencer Adin Ross. Ross persuaded Nacua into making a gesture connected to Jewish stereotypes while practicing a touchdown celebration on the stream.

He’s the subject of a civil lawsuit in which Madison Atiabi accused him of biting her on the shoulder and her friend on the thumb at a New Year’s Eve celebration in Los Angeles. He also allegedly said “f– all the Jews” during dinner that night, Atiabi alleges, prompting her to file the suit for financial compensation. Atiabi, who is Jewish, withdrew her petition for a restraining order.

–Field Level Media

Feb 5, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Puka Nacua on the NFL Honors Red Carpet before Super Bowl LX at Palace of Fine Arts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Report: Puka Nacua accuser withdraws restraining order request

Posted on | by Field Level Media

A woman who previously was denied a restraining order against Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua for procedural reasons has withdrawn her petition without prejudice, instead choosing to prioritize a civil lawsuit against him, The Athletic reported Wednesday.

Joseph Kar, who represents plaintiff Madison Atiabi, told The Athletic in a statement that by withdrawing the petition, the civil case can proceed.

Nacua has been sued by Atiabi, who accused him of biting her on the shoulder and her friend on the thumb at a New Year’s Eve celebration in Los Angeles. He also allegedly said “f– all the Jews” during dinner that night, which made Atiabi uncomfortable because she is Jewish.

“A voluntary withdrawal allows for the merits of the civil matter to be thoroughly investigated and tried to a jury,” Kar said in the statement. “Civil harassment petitions are not normally ever tried before any jury while the civil lawsuit will be proceeding on all counts to a jury.”

Atiabi is seeking unspecified financial compensation.

Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, denied the receiver said the antisemitic remark while describing the biting as “horseplay.”

Earlier this month, McCathern announced that Nacua had checked into a rehabilitation facility.

“Puka takes responsibility for his well-being and increasing his performance during the offseason,” McCathern wrote in a statement published by NFL Network at the time. “So, in early March … Puka voluntarily entered a holistic care facility to focus on his personal growth.”

He is expected to take part in team OTAs later this spring.

Nacua is an All-Pro who caught a league-high 129 passes for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns across 16 games with Los Angeles last fall, but he also has made headlines for less positive reasons.

Nacua, 24, had to apologize for a different antisemitic incident that took place earlier in December on a livestream with influencer Adin Ross. Ross persuaded Nacua into making a gesture connected to Jewish stereotypes while practicing a touchdown celebration on the stream.

He is eligible for a contract extension this offseason that is expected to make him among the top-paid players at his position.

–Field Level Media

Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) embrace after the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Attorney: Rams WR Puka Nacua is in rehab for ‘personal growth’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua checked into a rehabilitation facility last month, his attorney announced in a statement on Wednesday.

According to attorney Levi McCathern, Nacua entered rehab prior to a woman seeking a temporary restraining order and filing a civil lawsuit against him.

“Puka takes responsibility for his well-being and increasing his performance during the offseason,” McCathern wrote in a statement published by NFL Network. “So, in early March … Puka voluntarily entered a holistic care facility to focus on his personal growth.”

Nacua is an All-Pro who caught a league-high 129 passes for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns across 16 games in Los Angeles last fall, but he also has made headlines for less positive reasons.

In December, Nacua performed a simulated touchdown celebration on a livestream that contained an antisemitic undertone, later apologizing for the act, saying he “had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature.”

Details of the lawsuit, involving alleged activity from New Year’s Eve, emerged last week, with the 24-year-old being accused of levying antisemitic statements at a dinner party before biting two women in separate incidents.

McCathern denied Nacua making any remark and categorized the bites as “horseplay.”

On Wednesday, McCathern spoke with several outlets to paint his client in a more sympathetic light. In one instance, he explained that Nacua is in rehab in an attempt to “improve his overall behavior in every aspect of his life.

In the statement provided to NFL Network, McCathern wrote in part, “He is committed to using this time constructively so that he can return in the best possible position — both personally and professionally — to continue contributing to his team and the game he loves.”

The statement added that Nacua would complete the program before the beginning of the Rams organized team activities, which are typically in late May and early June.

In the lawsuit filed against Nacua, he is cited as committing gender violence, assault and battery, and negligence.

Nacua has earned two Pro Bowl selections in his three seasons while totaling 313 grabs for 4,191 yards and 19 touchdowns. He was drafted by the Rams in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of BYU, making him eligible for a contract extension.

Members of the Rams organization have danced around their intentions in regards to pursing an extension publicly, instead speaking to the importance of Nacua growing on and off the field.

“We are hopeful that he’s a Ram for a really long time, but he understands what the responsibility is, not exclusive to just the production on the field,” coach Sean McVay said earlier this offseason.

–Field Level Media

Nov 2, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) react after a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Rams’ Sean McVay defends Puka Nacua amidst allegations

Posted on | by Field Level Media

With Puka Nacua facing a lawsuit for allegedly biting two women and making an antisemitic statement during a New Year’s Eve gathering, Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay said Monday that he has a “close relationship” with the wide receiver and supports him.

“You guys know, I trust this kid’s heart,” McVay said at the annual league meeting. “Love him, put your arm around him, want to continue to help him grow. And, really, get all the appropriate facts before I rush to judgment on that particular situation. But I will say, knowing this guy for three years, is I do trust his heart. I trust the human being. And I want to be able to put my arm around him.”

Nacua is coming off a season in which he led the NFL with 129 receptions and 107.2 yards per game, finishing with 1,715 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games (15 starts). He is due for a large extension this offseason and is set to make a base salary of $5.77 million.

As for the lawsuit, Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, denied the receiver said the antisemitic remark while describing the biting as “horseplay.” McCathern told ABC News last week in a statement that Nacua is “pursuing all available legal remedies in response to these false and damaging statements.”

A hearing is set for April 14. The suit seeks monetary damages but does not specify an amount.

Nacua, 24, had to apologize for a different antisemitic incident that took place earlier that month on a livestream with influencer Adin Ross. Ross persuaded Nacua into making a gesture connected to Jewish stereotypes while practicing a touchdown celebration on the stream.

McVay said that Nacua understands there is a responsibility for each player to represent the organization that is “not exclusive just the production on the field.”

“Puka would be the first to tell you, he and I have a close relationship,” McVay said. “We communicate clear, open, and honest. The play on the field is amazing, and with what the play has dictated and determined, there’s a responsibility in terms of representing all things — not exclusive to just that. He knows that. Those are the expectations. And we’re hopeful that will be something that, this is an opportunity for him to learn and grow, and we are hopeful that he’s a Ram for a really long time.”

In Nacua’s three-year career, the 2023 fifth-round pick has 313 receptions for 4,191 yards and 19 touchdowns in 44 games (43 starts). He was named a first-team All-Pro in 2025 and is a two-time Pro Bowl selection.

–Field Level Media

Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) reacts after a catch against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

Puka Nacua sued, accused of biting women, making antisemitic remark

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is being sued for allegedly biting two women and making an antisemitic statement during a New Year’s Eve gathering.

Plaintiff Madison Atiabi and her attorney allege that Nacua said “f– all the Jews” during a dinner on Dec. 31 in Los Angeles. This made Atiabi “immediately … uncomfortable and emotionally distressed” because she is Jewish.

The suit also alleges that Nacua bit her on the shoulder later that night, and bit her friend on the thumb, causing her to “scream in acute pain.”

Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, denied the receiver said the antisemitic remark while describing the biting as “horseplay.”

McCathern told ABC News in a statement Thursday that Nacua is “pursuing all available legal remedies in response to these false and damaging statements.”

A hearing is set for April 14. The suit seeks monetary damages but does not specify an amount.

Nacua, 24, had to apologize for a different antisemitic incident that took place earlier that month on a livestream with influencer Adin Ross. Ross persuaded Nacua into making a gesture connected to Jewish stereotypes while practicing a touchdown celebration on the stream.

Nacua is eligible for a contract extension this offseason that is expected to make him among the top-paid players at his position.

–Field Level Media

Rams’ Puka Nacua apologizes, ‘had no idea’ gesture was offensive

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua apologized on Thursday for performing a potential touchdown celebration that included an antisemitic undertone.

“When I appeared the other day on a social media livestream, it was suggested to me to perform a specific movement as part of my next touchdown celebration,” Nacua posted on social media. “At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people.

“I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people.”

Appearing on a livestream on Wednesday, internet personality Adin Ross guided Nacua through the celebration which ended with the latter looking into the camera and rubbing his hands together.

Ross asked Nacua to use the celebration if he scores a touchdown on Thursday when the Rams (11-3) visit the Seattle Seahawks (11-3) in an NFC West showdown.

“I promise. I got you, bro,” Nacua said.

Widespread condemnation on social media followed, with Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) calling on Nacua to apologize.

“The Los Angeles Jewish community is on edge after the Bondi Beach massacre,” Swalwell wrote on X, formerly Twitter. He added that Nacua “should apologize or be dropped.”

The NFL issued a statement on Thursday regarding the Nacua incident: “The NFL strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and derogatory behavior directed towards any group or individual. The continuing rise of antisemitism must be addressed across the world, and the NFL will continue to stand with our partners in this fight. Hatred has no place in our sport or society.”

–Field Level Media

Rams expect WR Puka Nacua (rib) to play vs. 49ers

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is expected to play Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers despite a rib injury, Rams coach Sean McVay said on Wednesday.

Nacua, 24, will be limited at practice on Wednesday, but after his rib imaging came back clean, he should play on Sunday, the coach said. The 49ers (6-3) host the Rams (6-2) in a tight race in the NFC West.

McVay had said after the 34-10 home win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday that Nacua’s injury wasn’t serious.

“I think he’s going to be good. He got his ribs (hurt),” McVay said after the game. “He could have come back in the game, but we kind of had command. Felt like it was the smart thing.”

Nacua was injured in the third quarter on a 3-yard rushing play in which he was tackled by Saints linebacker Demario Davis with under six minutes remaining. He went to the locker room to be examined and was initially listed as questionable to return with a chest injury. He returned to the field early in the fourth quarter.

Nacua had seven receptions for 95 yards and one touchdown before exiting.

Nacua missed Los Angeles’ previous game against Jacksonville on Oct. 19 due to an ankle injury. The Rams had a bye last week.

Overall, Nacua has 61 receptions on a league-leading 73 targets for 711 yards and three scoring receptions in seven games this season. A Pro Bowl selection as a rookie in 2023, Nacua had 105 and 79 receptions, respectively, in his first two NFL campaigns for a total of 2,476 yards and nine touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Oct 12, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) celebrates after a play against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Rams WR Puka Nacua ruled out in London vs. Jaguars

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was ruled out on Friday for a matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday in London.

Head coach Sean McVay delivered the expected verdict on the status of Nacua on Friday.

Nacua sustained a sprained left ankle in the second quarter of Sunday’s 17-3 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. He briefly returned in the second half, albeit in a limited capacity.

The Rams (4-2) have a bye in Week 8, which would afford Nacua multiple weeks to recover.

Jordan Whittington, who has 10 receptions for 112 yards this season, likely would see a bigger role this week in the absence of Nacua. Davante Adams is the second-leading receiver on the roster with 26 receptions for 396 yards and three touchdowns.

Nacua, 24, has 54 catches for 616 yards and two TDs and leads the team in targets (65).

McVay also ruled out right tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle) against the Jaguars (4-2).

Havenstein, 33, has started all 145 games in which he has played since being selected by the Rams in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

Oct 12, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) is helped off the field by trainers during the second quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Rams WR Puka Nacua (ankle) could miss London game

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is unlikely to play in London this weekend due to a sprained left ankle, NFL Network reported Monday.

Nacua left Sunday’s 17-3 victory at Baltimore in the second quarter because of a lower leg injury before returning in the second half in a limited capacity.

The Rams (4-2) originally said Nacua was questionable to return against the Ravens (1-5). Coach Sean McVay said afterward that Nacua had an ankle injury and doesn’t know if he will be ready for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.

Los Angeles has a bye in Week 8, which would afford Nacua multiple weeks to recover.

Jordan Whittington, who has 10 receptions for 112 yards this season, would see his role increase if Nacua can’t play this week. Davante Adams is the second-leading receiver on the roster with 26 receptions for 396 yards and three touchdowns. Nacua has 54 catches for 616 yards and two TDs and leads the team in targets (65).

Nacua, 24, was injured while trying to make a catch in the end zone. He held his leg in pain. After a visit from trainers, he was helped back to the locker room before returning to the sideline.

He finished with two catches on three targets for 28 yards. Nacua entered Sunday’s game leading the NFL in receptions (52), receiving yards (588) and receiving first downs (31).

Running back Blake Corum, in his second season with the Rams, sustained a right ankle injury and finished with five carries for 23 yards.

–Field Level Media

Nov 17, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) reacts in pain after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Rams WR Puka Nacua (leg) questionable to return

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Los Angeles Rams wideout Puka Nacua left Sunday’s road game against the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter because of a left lower leg injury and did not return before halftime.

The Rams said Nacua was questionable to return.

Los Angels running back Blake Corum also left the game at the same time with an apparent right ankle injury and was ruled questionable to return.

Nacua injured his foot while trying to make a catch in the end zone. He held his lower left leg in pain. After a visit from trainers, he was helped back to the locker room before returning to the sideline.

Nacua entered Sunday’s game leading the NFL in receptions (52), receiving yards (588) and receiving first downs (31). He added three more catches for 28 yards against the Ravens.

Corum, in his second season with the Rams, had four carries for 14 yards before departing.

-Field Level Media