Puka Nacua’s agent has lifted the lid on his future in the NFL after the Los Angeles Rams star entered rehab following allegations that he bit a woman on New Year’s Eve.
Nacua, 24, is considered one of the top wide receivers in the NFL but his behavior has propelled him into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons in recent weeks.
He was accused of biting a woman and using an antisemitic slur during a group outing on New Year’s Eve in the Century City area of Los Angeles. The woman also filed for a temporary restraining order, which has since been dropped.
Nacua has denied the allegations, which included claims that he also used antisemitic slurs during dinner, and has threatened to retaliate with a defamation lawsuit.
On Wednesday, his attorney, Levi McCathern, confirmed that Nacua had entered rehab and has since revealed how it will impact his career on the football field.
According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, McCathern’s statement read: ‘Puka takes responsibility for his well-being and increasing his performance during the off-season.
Los Angeles Rams star Puka Nacua has entered rehab following allegations from a woman that he bit her when he was drunk on New Year’s Eve
The woman attached this photo of the bite mark allegedly left by Nacua in court documents
‘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 his 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.’
Meanwhile, earlier this week, before it emerged that Nacua was in rehab, Rams head coach Sean McVay paid a heartfelt tribute to him at the NFL owners’ meeting.
‘You guys know, I trust this kid’s heart,’ McVay said, via NBC Sports. ‘Love him, put your arm around him, want to continue to help him grow. And, really, get all the appropriate facts before I rush to judgment on that particular situation.
‘But I will say, knowing this guy for three years, I do trust his heart. I trust the human being. And I want to be able to put my arm around him.
‘Puka would be the first to tell you, he and I have a close relationship. We communicate clearly, openly, and honestly,’ McVay said.
Nacua’s attorney said: ‘He will complete the program in plenty of time to be involved in all of the Rams OTAs’
It is not the first time that Nacua has faced accusations of antisemitic behavior.
In December, he faced significant backlash and later issued an apology for his actions during a livestream with popular streamer Adin Ross.
Ross asked Nacua to rub his hands together – a signature move of the streamer to reference a degrading concept of Jewish people – after scoring a touchdown.
Nacua performed the celebration while on the livestream with Ross before quickly backtracking, issuing an apology and claiming he had ‘no idea’ about the reference.
The Rams star is also known as being one of the more lively characters in the league. Earlier this year, he jokingly hinted at trying to date Sydney Sweeney after the Hollywood star said she wanted a man who would go skydiving with her.
After her comments went viral, Nacua mischievously tweeted ‘love skydiving’.
