The Los Angeles Rams are aware of the ongoing legal matter star wide receiver Puka Nacua faces over allegations of biting two women, and they have been for several months, according to head coach Sean McVay.
The situation is certainly a factor in the ongoing decision regarding Nacua’s future, as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.
McVay did not mince words about either subject.
Rams Send Clear Message About Puka Nacua
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before a game against the Detroit Lions.
Nacua faces a civil lawsuit over the biting incident, but the Rams star’s attorney, Levi McCathern, has suggested countermeasures after what he termed a “cash grab.”
His client is due for a big raise, but is making that decision more complicated for the Rams.
“The play on the field is amazing,” McVay said when asked if Nacua’s incidents have left the Rams a bit more hesitant, per the LA Times’ Gary Klein on March 30. “With what the play has dictated and determined there is a responsibility in terms of representing all things not exclusive to just that.”
Per Klein, McVay added that the Rams were “hopeful that…this will be an opportunity for him to learn and grow, and 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.”
In addition to the bites, Nacua is accused of making antisemitic remarks, which McCathern said he categorically denied. It would be the second antisemitic incident for Nacua in the past year.
McVay is standing by Nacua.
“I trust this kid’s heart,” McVay said, per the LA Daily News’ Adam Grosbard. “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.”
Nacua, a fifth-round pick in 2023, is a two-time Pro Bowler and was a First Team All-Pro this past season, leading the NFL in receptions.
Puka Nacua Draws Attention With Offseason Win
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after catching a pass against the Arizona Cardinals.
Despite the controversy, Nacua coached his 7-on-7 squad, Team Puka, to a 39-38 double overtime victory over the weekend.
He was seen sprinting toward and jumping into a foam pit in celebration.
The moment certainly has not erased the off-field issues Nacua has had that the Rams must consider during contract negotiations. However, the question remains a matter of when and not if the standout playmaker will receive a new deal.
“The Rams have got a lot of young guys that they have to pay, and a lot of other business to conduct as well,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo said on “Good Morning Football” on March 23. “The expectation on my end is that the Puka deal is going to take a while and could be further into the summer before we see something happen there.”
LA could wait until after Nacua’s next hearing, which is scheduled for April 14, nine days before the 2026 draft. That date could change, though.
At any rate, the Rams need Nacua to avoid the negative situations better moving forward.
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