Puka Nacua has been a distraction for the Los Angeles Rams this week, capturing headlines for unfavorable reasons, and he has apparently felt the heat from the ramifications of his decisions.
Nacua sparked discussions, among other reasons, for working on and promising to create a touchdown celebration that could be viewed as antisemitic during a live stream with popular social media personality Adin Ross.
After the fallout, Nacua has taken action in efforts to make amends.
Puka Nacua Apologizes for Planned TD Celebration
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during warm-ups before facing the Detroit Lions.
Nacua’s appearance on Ross’ stream also featured commentary from the Rams star about the NFL’s officials. Those remarks could draw him a fine.
The clip of him doing the gesture circulated social media concurrently, doubling the negative attention directed in Nauca’s direction. On Thursday, Nacua apologized for the gesture, claiming that he did not know the negative connotations.
He also decried such discrimination in all forms.
“When I appeared the other day on a social media livestream, it was suggested to me to perform a specific movement as part of my next touchdown celebration. At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people,” Nacua said in an Instagram post on December 18.
“I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people.”
Nacua–who has been recognized for his community work, including during the Rams’ training camp expedition to Hawaii–is the latest athlete to follow-up an action viewed as antisemitic with a message of apology.
Former New England Patriots star Julian Edelman attempted to educate ex-NBA player Meyers Leonard. That was after the latter used an antisemetic slur.
NFL Releases Statement on Puka Nacua
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before facing the Baltimore Ravens.
Nacua’s actions drew attention from the NFL, who released a statement condemning what the Rams star did during the live stream with Ross.
“The NFL strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and derogatory behavior directed towards any group or individual,” the league said, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on X on December 18. “The continuing rise of antisemitism must be addressed across the world, and the NFL will continue to stand with our partners in this fight. Hatred has no place in our sport or society.”
It is unclear if the league will take further action against Nacua, who could also feel the Rams’ ire star.
Rams Upset Over Live Stream Attempt
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on against the San Francisco 49ers.
According to Nacua, the Rams were not pleased with his attempt to host Ross at the team’s facilities. Nacua said believed his team had worked out the details. However, the Rams claimed they did not know of his plans.
Even still, Nacua’s biggest hurdle was Rams head coach Sean McVay. He was against the idea, which has proven to do more harm than good so far.
McVay, according to Nacua, “didn’t f*** with that.”
“One, they said there was like they got a lot of paperwork that people have to go through. I’m like, maybe it’s because the film crews that always come are like CBS,” Nacua told Ross during the stream on December 16. “Because they have media every day after practice. So, it’s like that. But then, I guess, yeah, Coach –
“I’m like, ‘Well, because my team was supposed to communicate.’ And I guess then the Rams were like, ‘Yo, we never heard anything about this.’ I was like, ‘Bro, we had talked about this a couple weeks ago.’ Like we were trying to figure out SoFi. So then, that’s why I thought the messages got passed. And then, when Boss Man [McVay] heard about it, he was not happy.”
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