Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua checked into a rehabilitation center just before a woman filed a civil lawsuit against him, alleging he uttered an antisemitic remark and later bit her on the shoulder.
Nacua’s attorney, Levi G. McCathern II, confirmed that the two-time Pro Bowl selection, who led the NFL in receptions last season, checked into a private facility “to focus on his health, personal growth, and overall development,” The Athletic reported.
Nacua, 24, will remain at the center until he completes the program, which should end before the Rams begin their organized training activities (OTAs) in a few weeks, the sports website reported.
“Puka takes responsibility for his well-being and increasing his performance during the offseason,” McCathern said in a statement. “… 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.”
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has checked into a private facility, his attorney confirmed to The Athletic on Wednesday.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 2, 2026
Nacua checked into the facility on his own before a lawsuit was filed against him that accuses him of biting two different women at a group dinner… pic.twitter.com/kdOIRigN45
The civil lawsuit, filed in a Los Angeles court, cites gender violence, assault and battery, and negligence, ESPN reported.
Nacua is accused of making an offensive remark about Jewish people during a group New Year’s Eve dinner, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The comment was made “in a manner audible to (the plaintiff) and others at the table,” according to court documents.
The plaintiff “immediately felt uncomfortable and emotionally distressed” because of her Jewish faith, ESPN reported, citing court documents.
The plaintiff also alleged that she was in a vehicle with Nacua when he “forcibly” bit her on the left shoulder.
At the NFL’s annual league meeting earlier this week, Rams coach Sean McVay said that team officials were aware of the New Year’s Eve incident, ESPN reported. He added that the team is “continuing to gather all the information.”
“But man, you guys know, I trust this kid’s heart,” McVay told reporters on Monday. “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.”
Nacua has denied the allegations “in the strongest possible terms,” his attorney, McCathern said in a statement.
In December, Nacua issued a statement apologizing for performing a gesture on an internet livestream that was “antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people,” ESPN and USA Today reported.
Nacua is entering the final year of his rookie contract, USA Today reported.
He appeared in 16 games for the Rams during the 2025 season, starting in 15. A fifth-round choice of the Rams in the 2023 NFL draft, Nacua caught a league-leading 129 passes for 1,725 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He starred during the 2025 postseason, leading the NFL again with 24 catches for 332 yards and two touchdowns, KABC reported.
He led the Rams to the NFC Championship Game, where the team lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
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