American Football
Rams receiver Puka Nacua checks into rehab amid civil lawsuit
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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has checked into a rehabilitation facility, according to his attorney Levi McCathern.
First reported by the California Post, McCathern said Nacua had entered the Malibu facility voluntarily, well before a recent lawsuit against him became public knowledge.
"Puka is taking responsibility for his well-being and is focused on improving his performance during the offseason," McCathern's statement began.
"Puka voluntarily entered a private facility to focus on his health, personal growth, and overall development."
A woman filed suit last month, alleging Nacua made an antisemitic remark on New Year's Eve before biting her on the shoulder. McCathern has previously stated that Nacua denies the allegations and claims to have video evidence contradicting the plaintiff's account.
It's not the first time Nacua has made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. In December, he issued a public apology after a gesture he made during a live internet broadcast was widely condemned as antisemitic. Nacua insisted "he had no idea" of the connotations at the time.
At the NFL's annual league meeting, head coach Sean McVay expressed continued support for his receiver, while acknowledging the wider responsibilities that come with being an NFL player.
"The play on the field is amazing, and then with what the play has dictated and determined, there's a responsibility in terms of representing all things, not exclusive to just that," McVay said.
Sean M. Haffey / Staff
"He knows that," McVay continued. "Those are the expectations, and we're hopeful that that'll be something that this will be an opportunity for him to learn and grow.
"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."
Nacua, a fifth-round pick in 2023, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. General manager Les Snead was asked whether the off-field situation could affect extension talks.
"Right now, we're just focused on the human being, and then we'll get to that step," Snead said.
Stay tuned for more developments.
