Prosecutors in Los Angeles County are being urged to drop a vehicle theft case against the brother of NFL sensation Puka Nacua, after law enforcement concluded the incident was a simple error.
A Case of Mistaken Identity
Samson Nacua, aged 27, and another man, Trey Rose, also 27, were arrested last month on suspicion of stealing a sports utility vehicle. The car belonged to Adou Thiero, a forward for the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team. However, investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department have since told NBC Los Angeles that the pair never intended to take Thiero's property without permission.
Instead, deputies reported that Samson Nacua genuinely believed he was taking an SUV owned by his famous brother, Puka, a star wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams. It was revealed that Thiero and Puka Nacua drive the same make and model of vehicle, with the NFL star's car being a few years older. The reasons why the two athletes' cars were parked near each other, and how Samson gained access to the wrong one, remain unclear.
Victim Declines Prosecution
According to the same reports, deputies have spoken with all parties involved. Adou Thiero explicitly stated he does not wish to see Samson Nacua prosecuted and confirmed he believes the entire episode was an honest mistake. Based on this and their own findings, the Sheriff's Department has formally requested the LA County Attorney's Office to reject any formal charges against both Samson Nacua and Trey Rose.
The specific make and model of the two SUVs have not been officially disclosed. However, Puka Nacua has been pictured on his Instagram with a Genesis GV70 and also holds an endorsement deal with Toyota.
Brothers in Sport and Controversy
The legal reprieve for Samson Nacua arrives during a challenging period for his younger brother. In the same week as the arrest, Puka Nacua was fined $25,000 by the NFL for criticising game officials. He also faced backlash after appearing in an online video where streamers encouraged him to perform a touchdown celebration widely condemned as antisemitic. Puka has since apologised for that incident.
On a brighter note, Puka and the Rams are currently preparing for a crucial divisional-round playoff game against the Chicago Bears this Sunday. Puka led the entire NFL this season with 129 receptions and was second with 1,715 receiving yards.
Like his brother, Samson Nacua played wide receiver at Brigham Young University (BYU). He was not selected in the 2022 NFL Draft and has never been on an active 53-man roster, but has spent time on practice squads for the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints. He has also played in the USFL and UFL, and is currently a member of the UFL's Birmingham Stallions.
The Daily Mail has contacted both the Sheriff's Department and the County Attorney's Office for further comment on the case.
