Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua enters rehab amid civil lawsuit
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has checked into a rehabilitation facility amid an ongoing civil lawsuit alleging assault and an unprovoked antisemitic statement.
The 2023 fifth-round draft pick entered the programme before the allegations became public, according to his attorney Levi McCathern.
McCathern told The California Post that his client is seeking treatment to improve his overall behaviour in every aspect of his life.
A woman in Los Angeles filed a civil lawsuit last month accusing the 23-year-old of making an antisemitic remark and biting her on the shoulder on New Year’s Eve.
Lawsuit allegations strongly denied
The legal action cites gender violence, assault, battery, and negligence.
Nacua strongly denies the claims, with his legal team stating they possess video evidence that definitively contradicts the accuser’s version of events.
Despite the ongoing legal process, McCathern expects the prolific pass-catcher to complete his treatment in time for the franchise’s organised team activities.
Rams pledge support for star player
Speaking at the NFL’s annual meetings, head coach Sean McVay confirmed the team has been aware of the New Year’s Eve incident since it occurred.
“I trust this kid’s heart. Love him, put your arm around him, want to continue to help him grow and really get all the appropriate facts before I kind of rush to judgment on that particular situation.”
The controversy follows a separate incident in December where the player issued a public apology for performing a gesture on an internet livestream that perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people.
Contract talks paused to focus on well-being
The offensive standout recently became eligible to sign a lucrative contract extension following two highly productive seasons in the league.
McVay emphasised that expectations for the player extend far beyond his on-field production, adding that he must understand his wider responsibility in representing the organisation.
When questioned about the potential for a new deal, general manager Les Snead stated the team’s current priority is focused entirely on the individual’s personal development.
“Right now, we’re just focused on the human being and then we’ll get to that step. We’ll let him continue becoming.”