LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Rams All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua is in rehab and was there before he was sued for assault and battery by a woman who says he made an antisemitic statement and bit her on the shoulder on New Year's Eve, according to his attorney.
“He was in (rehab) a substantial period of time before any of these allegations broke ... and he’s scheduled to be there for a while longer,” Levi McCathern told The California Post.
McCathern told the newspaper Nacua's decision to enter rehab was not a direct response to the lawsuit his accuser filed against him late last month, but an attempt “to improve his overall behaviour in every aspect of his life.”
"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," McCathern said. "He will complete the program in time to fully participate 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 teammates."
Nacua had previously issued an apology last December after performing a gesture that plays upon antisemitic tropes while appearing on an internet livestream.
The 24-year-old has been one of the most productive receivers in NFL history over his first three seasons with the Rams, who drafted him out of BYU in 2023 with the final pick of the fifth round. He led the league with 129 catches last season while racking up 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns before leading the NFL again with 24 catches for 332 yards and two TDs in the playoffs.
Nacua is eligible to sign a contract extension with the Rams this off-season that undoubtedly would make him one of the highest-paid receivers in NFL history, but the Rams haven't announced any progress on a new deal.
— With files from Sportsnet Staff
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