LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Rams All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua is in rehab and was there before he was sued for assault and battery by a woman who says he made an antisemitic statement and bit her on the shoulder on New Year’s Eve, according to his attorney.
“Puka takes responsibility for his well-being and increasing his performance during the off-season,” Nacua’s attorney Levi McCathern said in a statement, obtained by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. “So, in early March – before any temporary restraining order was filed by Madison Atiabi and subsequently denied by the Court – Puka voluntarily entered a holistic care facility to focus on his personal growth.
“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. He will complete the program in plenty of time to be involved in all of the Rams OTAs. Puka is also deeply grateful for the support he has received from his family, friends, coach [Sean] McVay, and teammates.
“It is unfortunate that a trivial lawsuit has drawn attention to Puka during a time when he is focused on becoming a better overall person. I am really excited to see what the future holds for this gifted young man.”
McCathern said Nacua’s decision to enter rehab was not a direct response to the lawsuit his accuser filed against him late last month, but an attempt “to improve his overall behavior in every aspect of his life.”
Nacua issued an apology last December after performing a gesture that plays upon antisemitic tropes while appearing on an internet livestream.
Nacua has been one of the most productive receivers in NFL history over his first three seasons with the Rams, who drafted him in the fifth round out of BYU in 2023. He led the league with 129 catches last season and had 1,715 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns.
Nacua is eligible to sign a contract extension with the Rams this offseason.