Puka Nacua reported for duty on the first day of the Rams’ offseason program – just weeks after it emerged that he had gone into rehab following allegations that he bit a woman on New Year’s Eve.
The future of Los Angeles’ star wide receiver was plunged into doubt after he was hit with a lawsuit by a woman who claimed he used an antisemitic slur and bit her during a group outing.
Nacua denied the allegations and threatened to sue his accuser for defamation. The woman later dropped her petition for a protective order.
But his attorney then revealed that the received had ‘voluntarily entered a holistic care facility to focus on his personal growth.’
That news emerged in early April and, at the time, Nacua’s lawyer insisted the NFL star would be ready to return for the Rams’ organized team activities (OTAs), which kick off on May 26.
But he was back with the team on Monday for the first day of the 2026 offseason.
Puka Nacua reported for duty on the first day of the Los Angeles Rams’ offseason program
It comes after he went into rehab following allegations that he bit a woman on New Year’s Eve
The wide receiver denied the allegations and threatened to sue his accuser for defamation
Nacua has yet to publicly discuss the allegations or his stint in rehab. His attorney insisted he had checked himself into the facility before the accusations first surfaced.
‘Puka takes responsibility for his well-being and increasing his performance during the off-season,’ Levi McCathern said at the time.
‘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.’
‘He will complete the program in plenty of time to be involved 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 his teammates.’
McCathern added: ‘It is unfortunate that a trivial lawsuit has drawn attention to Puka during a time when he is focused on becoming a better overall person. I am really excited to see what the future holds for this gifted young man.’
Before it emerged that Nacua had gone to rehab, Rams head coach McVay gave the star receiver his backing.
‘I trust this kid’s heart,’ McVay said, via NBC Sports. ‘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 on that particular situation.
‘But I will say, knowing this guy for three years, I do trust his heart. I trust the human being. And I want to be able to put my arm around him.
The woman attached this photo of the bite mark allegedly left by Nacua in court documents
‘Puka would be the first to tell you, he and I have a close relationship. We communicate clearly, openly, and honestly.’
It is not the first time that Nacua has faced accusations of antisemitic behavior. In December, he faced significant backlash and later issued an apology over his actions on a livestream with popular streamer Adin Ross.
Ross asked Nacua to rub his hands together – a move typically used to degrade Jewish people – after scoring a touchdown.
Nacua performed the celebration while on the livestream with Ross before quickly backtracking, issuing an apology and claiming he had ‘no idea’ about the reference.
