Los Angeles Rams star Puka Nacua is on a collision course with NFL authorities after a social media outburst targeting game officials, compounding a recent controversy over an antisemitic touchdown dance.
Post-Match Outburst Targets Referees
The incident followed a gutting overtime defeat for the Rams against rivals the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night. The game turned on a bizarre two-point conversion, part of a wild Seahawks comeback from 16 points down.
Initially, both teams believed the play was over, but a review determined quarterback Sam Darnold had thrown a backward pass, recovered in the end zone for the score. The decision sparked jubilation at Seattle's Lumen Field but left the Rams stunned.
An angry Nacua took to social media from the locker room shortly after. Referencing comments made earlier in the week, where he suggested referees make incorrect calls to get more TV airtime, he wrote: 'Can you say I was wrong'. He added sarcastically: 'Appreciate you stripes for your contribution. lol'.
A History of Controversial Comments
Nacua's initial remarks came during a live stream with influencers Adin Ross and N3on. 'The refs are the worst. These guys are lawyers. They want to be on TV, too,' the wide receiver claimed. He elaborated with a hypothetical: 'You don't think he's texting his friends... "Yo, you just saw me on 'Sunday Night Football?' That wasn't PI, but I called it".'
While those comments may have skirted disciplinary action, his subsequent public doubling-down is expected to surpass the NFL's threshold for a fine. Nacua, a standout performer, is currently on a rookie contract earning approximately $1 million annually.
Antisemitic Celebration Sparks Wider Outrage
Separately, Nacua has caused significant alarm and outrage for his actions on the same live stream. He was captured practising an antisemitic touchdown dance with streamer Adin Ross, who is Jewish.
Ross encouraged the celebration, which involved spinning the ball, flexing, and rubbing hands together—a gesture the streamer uses to reference a degrading stereotype about Jewish people.
The clip went viral, prompting condemnation from California politician Eric Swalwell, who blasted Nacua as an 'a**hole'. Nacua later issued a public apology, stating he was unaware of the offensive connotations.
'I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people,' Nacua said. 'I deeply apologise to anyone who was offended... I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate.'
The Rams organisation also released a statement, affirming: 'There is no place in this world for Antisemitism as well as other forms of prejudice or hostility towards the Jewish people and people of any religion, ethnicity, or race.'
Broker Issues for the NFL
Nacua's criticism of officials touches on a long-standing, contentious issue within the NFL: the league's decision to employ referees on a part-time basis despite its multi-billion dollar status. His latest actions, however, combine this professional grievance with a far more serious societal concern.
The young receiver now faces the prospect of financial penalties from the league for his public comments, while the fallout from the antisemitic celebration continues to damage his reputation.
