Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has been one of the most well-liked players in the NFL by fans, regardless of which team they like, since his rookie season.
But the receiver has been in some hot water the last few days after appearing on a controversial live stream.
During the live stream with controversial streamer Adin Ross, Puka was asked if he could perform a specific “celebration” for his next touchdown, which involved an antisemitic trope. Ross gave instructions and showed the player how to do it, with Nacua copying his movements.
Puka promised that he would do the “celebration” for his next touchdown on the live stream and now has sparked some controversy for the wide receiver.
Rich Eisen’s Comments To Nacua
GettyRich Eisen encourages Puka Nacua to learn from his mistakes
NFL sports host and commentator Rich Eisen, who is Jewish himself, said that he was stunned by what he saw and heard from the livestream. Eisen also offered the player some positive words to not do the planned “celebration” the next time he scored a touchdown.
“Puka, do not do that touchdown celebration that these guys were telling you about spinning a dreidel and making [an antisemitic] hand motion,” Eisen asked of the Rams receiver on his show. “It is awful. To me, it is beyond offensive. It’s not funny. It’s not fun. It’s Hannukkah.”
“I don’t want to lay this on you and you may not know, there’s never a good time to do it. Right now, it’s a particularly dangerous time to do it. Please don’t do it… As for the football, go ball out, kid. You’re awesome to watch.”
The recent remarks from the live stream come just a few days after the mass shooting in Australia, where two gunmen targeted a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach, killing 15 people.
It is also reported that Puka Nacua attempted to set up the live stream at the Rams training facility, but was shut down by the team and head coach Sean McVay.
The wide receiver mentioned that it was due to the short week and the team playing a crucial game against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night to determine who would be the NFC’s number one seed.
Puka said that he will “handle business” on Thursday and a second live stream at the facility may be possible.
Puka Nacua Statement
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams’ wide receiver put out a statement on his Instagram following the controversy of the players’ promise to do the “dance.”
“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.”
“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.”
The NFL also released a statement after the live stream condemning all discrimination.
Puka will return to the game day field on Thursday Night against the Seahawks, where eyes will be on him to see if he will do the “celebration.”
In a race for the top seed in the conference, Nacua will likely get the ball more often in the final games of the season.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Rich Eisen Offers Positive Message To Rams’ Nacua After Troubling Live Stream appeared first on Heavy Sports.