Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua already drew unfortunate attention to himself. It appears that his older brother has as well. Samson Nacua, who plays wide receiver for the Michigan Panthers in the UFL, was arrested last weekend (Week 15).
The LA County Sheriff’s Department charged the elder Nacua with taking a car without consent.
Puka Nacua and the Rams are facing the Seattle Seahawks on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 16. However, in addition to Samson’s actions, a separate incident looms for Puka.
LASD: Puka Nacua’s Brother Arrested
GettySamson Nacua #89 of the New Orleans Saints in action against the Tennessee Titans.
“Two men, including the brother of Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, were arrested over the weekend after allegedly taking Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero’s SUV without his consent, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department,” NBC Los Angeles’ Dennis Broad and Karla Rendon wrote on December 17.
“The suspects arrested in the case were identified as 27-year-old Trey Rose and 27-year-old Samson Nacua, who is the brother of the Los Angeles Rams’ Puka Nacua. Both men face a charge of taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent and remain behind bars.”
Per Broad and Rendon, police arrested Nacua and Rose after tracking the vehicle to the “One Hotel in West Hollywood,” where they “valeted” it.
Nacua and Rose were officially “arrested on suspicion of taking the SUV.”
Nacua, whose other brother, Kai, is a safety for the Panthers, found himself in hot water during the season. He slapped a fan who was arguing with him from the stands at a game. The UFL took action against Nacua.
“The UFL has suspended Michigan Panthers receiver Samson Nacua for one game after he slapped a fan during an altercation following Saturday’s 32-27 loss to the St. Louis Battlehawks, the league announced Tuesday,” ESPN’s Kevin Seifert wrote in April. “Nacua, who also agreed to participate in community service, will miss Sunday’s game against the D.C. Defenders.”
Nacua spent time during training camp with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2022 and with the New Orleans Saints in 2024, turning heads as a returner.
Puka Nacua Scrutinized Over Gesture
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Nacua caused a stir with his comments made during a live stream with social media personality Adin Ross about NFL officials making calls to garner attention for themselves.
However, Nacua raised eyebrows for another reason during that same appearance. Ross suggested a touchdown celebration that Nacua said he would do. The Rams star would flex and then rub his hands together. The Athletic’s Nate Atkins said it could prove problematic.
“It’s an action that can be seen as mocking Jewish people,” Atkins posted on X on December 17.
Atkins said, “It’s unclear if Puka Nacua knew the connection or connotation.” He added, “We’ll get his side of things after tomorrow’s game, I imagine, unless he wants to give an update before.
Nacua said Rams head coach Sean McVay nixed their pre-approved attempts to film inside the Rams’ facilities. He could face a fine for his comments regarding the NFL officials. Moreover, players have released statements after other incidents involving antisemitism.
The fallout has spanned sports, too.
Former NFL wideout Desean Jackson apologized in 2020 after posting such a quote. Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving was suspended and apologized for a social media post in 2022.
Nacua’s next media availability will be charged with questions about his comments on the officiating, his brother’s arrest, and his plans to celebrate should he score a touchdown in the Rams’ tilt against the Seahawks on “Thursday Night Football.”
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