Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua experienced a day of stark contrasts on Thursday 19 December 2025, swinging from a public apology for an antisemitic gesture to a career-best performance on the field, before landing in hot water once more with post-match comments about referees.
Apology and On-Field Brilliance
The day began with Nacua posting a formal apology on Instagram. The statement, displayed on a blue square representing the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate, addressed a gesture he performed on a livestream hosted by internet personality Adin Ross. Nacua stated he had "no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people." He offered a deep apology, affirming he does not stand for "any form of racism, bigotry or hate."
Later that night, any distraction seemed absent as Nacua delivered a phenomenal performance against the Seattle Seahawks. He caught 12 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns, although the Rams ultimately fell 38-37 in overtime. His efforts were historic: he reached 4,000 career receiving yards in just 42 games, tying the record set by Odell Beckham Jr. and Justin Jefferson. He also became only the third receiver ever to record 160 or more receiving yards in three consecutive games.
Post-Game Controversy and Widespread Condemnation
The receiver's troubles resurfaced after the final whistle. Nacua took to social media with a post criticising game officials, which was later deleted. He explained the now-removed post stemmed from "a lack of awareness and just some frustration" over perceived inconsistencies in officiating.
This incident followed criticism he faced for his comments on the Adin Ross livestream, where he labelled NFL referees "the worst" and suggested they make incorrect calls because "they want to be on TV, too."
The initial antisemitic gesture drew swift condemnation. US Congressman Eric Swalwell criticised Nacua on X, highlighting the particular insensitivity given the recent tragic attack in Sydney, Australia, that claimed 15 lives during a Hanukkah celebration. "The Los Angeles Jewish community is on edge after the Bondi Beach massacre," Swalwell wrote. "He promises an antisemitic touchdown dance for his Thursday night game. He should apologize or be dropped."
The National Football League also issued a strong statement, condemning "all forms of discrimination and derogatory behavior." The league emphasised, "The continuing rise of antisemitism must be addressed across the world... Hatred has no place in our sport or society."
Team Response and Moving Forward
Rams head coach Sean McVay firmly dismissed any notion that the controversy affected Nacua's play or the team's preparation. "It wasn’t a distraction at all," McVay asserted. "Did you think his play showed he was distracted? I didn’t think so either. He went off today."
McVay reiterated Nacua's remorse, framing the incident as a learning opportunity for a young player. "He’s a young guy that’s a great kid that’s continuing to learn about just the platform that he has," McVay said. "We’re going to continue to put our arm around him to help him learn and grow, but we never want to do things that ever offend anybody."
The events of Thursday place Nacua in a complex spotlight, celebrated for his extraordinary athletic achievements while simultaneously facing serious scrutiny for his actions and words off the field.
