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.”

Expected number one overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza has showcased his passing abilities to scouts from all 32 NFL teams during a highly anticipated pro day at Indiana University on Wednesday.

The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback delivered an impressive workout inside the John Mellencamp Pavilion following his decision to skip athletic testing at the combine.

More than 100 media members watched as the 22-year-old threw approximately 56 passes during a comprehensive and heavily scrutinised throwing script.

With head coach Curt Cignetti watching closely, his primary goal was to elevate the draft stock of his collegiate team-mates by running routes timed for the professional level.

Las Vegas looming as likely destination

The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the first overall pick and are heavily favoured to select the Boston-born signal-caller.

Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, alongside majority owner Mark Davis, previously scouted the quarterback during January’s national championship victory in Miami.

While not completely flawless during Wednesday’s session, the former Florida prep star demonstrated exceptional arm talent with short, intermediate, and deep throws.

He officially weighed in at 236 pounds, marking a significant 11-pound increase from his listed collegiate playing weight.

This physical development proves he possesses the necessary durability to withstand the elite professional pass rushers he will face at the next level.

“I feel like it went great. I just wanted to make sure everybody could showcase their abilities in front of all 32 NFL teams and really run routes that are applicable to the timing we’re going to be running in the NFL.”

A historic collegiate campaign

The former Cal graduate arrives at the professional ranks following a statistically magnificent final college season.

He completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, registering 41 touchdowns against just six interceptions last year.

His leadership guided the Hoosiers through a formidable gauntlet of traditional powerhouses, defeating Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon, and Miami in succession.

Those statement victories secured Indiana’s first outright Big Ten title since 1945 and delivered the university’s maiden national football championship.

“I’m putting all of my efforts toward just trying to be the best quarterback possible for the season.”

The highly-touted prospect acknowledged that he remains a work in progress as he finalises his transition to the professional game.

Former Wisconsin tight end Jack Pugh, who stepped away from college football three years ago to prioritise his mental health, has died at the age of 24.

The university confirmed the passing of the Columbus native in a statement released on Tuesday night.

Officials did not disclose a cause of death for the former athlete.

Mental health struggles

Pugh announced his medical retirement from the sport ahead of the 2023 season.

In a heartfelt social media post at the time, the academic All-Big Ten honouree cited prolonged depression and substance abuse as key factors in his decision.

My physical health was not near perfect, but my mental health was the reason I decided to hang it up.

The former collegiate star added that stepping away allowed him to finally find happiness and rebuild his personal life.

‘A positive light’

The talented pass-catcher redshirted during his freshman year in 2021 before making a single appearance the following season.

Despite his early departure from the gridiron, he remained dedicated to his studies and successfully earned his degree from UW-Madison in 2025.

Wisconsin Athletics paid tribute to his character and lasting impact on the team environment.

Jack was a positive light and brought a genuine spirit to our football program.

A university spokesperson added that he cared deeply about people and was widely loved by both his teammates and the coaching staff.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is facing mounting internal pressure following a stagnant offensive season that culminated in a frustrating wild-card playoff defeat to the San Francisco 49ers.

The most expensive offensive roster in the NFL has become heavily reliant on running back Saquon Barkley due to deep, persistent ruts in their passing game.

This overreliance has sparked internal frustration, testing the longstanding relationship between the quarterback and star wide receiver A.J. Brown.

Playoff exit highlights dysfunction

The structural flaws were starkly exposed during the dying moments of their recent postseason elimination at the hands of the 49ers.

With the season on the line, head coach Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo deliberated over a critical fourth-down play call.

The 26-year-old signal-caller reportedly advocated for a deep-passing concept, despite the team having run the exact same failing play moments earlier.

“I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is not happening. We can’t run four verts.'”

Anonymous team source

San Francisco’s defence easily anticipated the move, swarming tight end Dallas Goedert over the middle to seal Philadelphia’s premature offseason vacation.

Resistance to tactical evolution

Close observers have continually highlighted a severe lack of creativity and synergy within the Eagles’ broader attacking structure.

The aerial game has frequently failed to complement the rushing attack, creating a level of predictability that opposing defences regularly exploit.

Team sources suggest the former Oklahoma standout has actively resisted coaching attempts to diversify the playbook.

This includes pushing back against tactical adjustments, such as taking snaps from under centre rather than operating exclusively out of the shotgun formation.

Crucial offseason awaits

The mounting tension led to Brown being the subject of intense trade discussions during a turbulent period for the franchise.

Sirianni and his coaching staff must now find a way to repair these fractured relationships ahead of the upcoming 2026 campaign.

Failure to modernise the scheme and unite this star-studded roster could ultimately spell the end for this current era of Philadelphia football.

Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II expects four-time NFL Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers to make a definitive decision on his playing future before next month’s draft.

The veteran quarterback, who is currently a free agent, spent the 2025 season in Pennsylvania following a lengthy off-season courtship.

Speaking at the league’s annual meetings in Phoenix, Rooney stated that the franchise anticipates an answer regarding his next move shortly.

“I would say by the draft, I expect an answer,” Rooney said.

Quarterback limbo for Pittsburgh

The 42-year-old signal-caller has spent the past two months weighing his options for the upcoming campaign.

If the former Super Bowl champion decides against returning, general manager Omar Khan confirmed the team could draft a replacement when the event kicks off on 23 April.

The current roster options in Pittsburgh include 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard and experienced backup Mason Rudolph.

Making an appearance on the Pat McAfee show earlier in March, the former Green Bay star insisted he was under no pressure to make an immediate choice.

“There’s been no deadline that’s been put in front of me,” Rodgers explained.

Constant communication with McCarthy

While ownership has not spoken directly to the future Hall of Famer, head coach Mike McCarthy remains in close contact.

McCarthy addressed reporters at the AFC coaches breakfast, confirming he spoke with the quarterback on Monday evening.

“We’re in constant communication, so we’re in a good space and we’ll just continue to work through it,” McCarthy noted.

The head coach refused to establish a firm timeline for a final resolution, but ownership firmly believes clarity is imminent.

National Football League owners have discussed the feasibility of expanding the regular season to 18 games during the annual league meeting in Phoenix.

Momentum is slowly building towards adding an extra competitive fixture while reducing the preseason schedule to just two matches.

Any structural changes to the North American football calendar would require complex negotiations with the players’ association and their new executive director, JC Tretter.

Momentum builds for schedule changes

Indianapolis Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon believes the proposed shift could ultimately improve the overall fan experience.

“I think that if we can make it work, I do think that it would be good,” Irsay-Gordon said.

The franchise executive suggested that players might support the move due to the promise of increased revenue streams.

However, she acknowledged that team executives would likely need to offer concessions, such as a shortened off-season training programme.

Player safety and union resistance

The players’ union has historically opposed lengthening the grueling sporting calendar due to significant injury concerns.

A similar public stance was taken before the transition to the current 17-game format, which was eventually ratified in the 2021 collective bargaining agreement.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft expressed his support for the expansion to boost the sport’s long-term commercial growth.

“Changing to 18 games, and having that real content, and being mindful of player safety, I personally would like to see us have a second bye week,” Kraft explained.

Mixed reactions among franchise chiefs

Implementing these changes in the near future would mean reopening labour talks well before the current deal expires at the end of the 2030 season.

Not all executives share the enthusiasm for an immediate restructuring of the competitive schedule.

Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam cautioned against rushing the process, labelling the ongoing discussions as slightly premature.

The NFL has authorised the hiring and training of replacement referees starting in May amid stalled contract negotiations with the NFL Referees Association.

The current collective bargaining agreement between the league and the officials’ union is set to expire on 31 May.

With vast differences remaining in economic and structural proposals, league executives are actively preparing for a lockout.

Training for the new recruits, largely drawn from the collegiate ranks, is scheduled to commence on 1 May.

Avoiding past mistakes

During the previous referee lockout in 2012, the league was widely criticised for waiting until July to secure contingency officials.

To avoid a similar drop in officiating standards, franchise owners have opted for early intervention to ensure adequate preparation time.

“To expect people to jump from college to the pros and change in speed in that short of time is destined to be a challenge to succeed.”

A league source added that failing to prepare for the looming expiration would amount to gross negligence.

Financial disputes and structural changes

The gridiron organisation has reportedly offered the union a six-year deal featuring average annual salary increases of 6.45%.

In 2025, the average salary for a top-flight official sat at $385,000 (£305,000).

However, the primary sticking points revolve around performance and accountability measures that the union has largely resisted.

These proposed changes include:

Scott Green, executive director of the NFLRA, has not yet publicly commented on the ongoing negotiations.

Seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady has ruled out a return to the NFL after the league objected to a comeback while he retains his ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders.

The 47-year-old, who stepped away from the sport in 2022, revealed he had actively explored the possibility of playing again.

“I actually have inquired, and they don’t like that idea very much,” Brady told CNBC.

Under current regulations, active players are prohibited from holding financial stakes in franchises to prevent salary cap circumvention.

Raiders investment prevents playing return

The former New England Patriots quarterback purchased a five percent share of the Raiders earlier this year.

To legitimately pursue a return to the field, he would be forced to completely divest his minority shareholding in the Las Vegas outfit.

“We explored a lot of different things, and I’m very happily retired,” the legendary passer added.

Recent precedent and flag football cameo

A return from retirement is not unprecedented in the sport, with 44-year-old Philip Rivers briefly starting three games for the Indianapolis Colts last season after a four-year absence.

Speculation regarding a return for the future Hall of Famer intensified following his impressive passing display at the recent Fanatics Flag Football Classic.

Despite his team losing heavily to Team USA, the veteran demonstrated that his trademark throwing ability remains intact.

“It’s never going to get old throwing passes to incredible athletes on the football field, but if anything, that game reconfirmed to me that I’m very happy in my retirement.”