Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has ignited a major controversy and accusations of antisemitism after he was filmed devising a touchdown celebration that incorporates an offensive Jewish stereotype.
Live Stream Sparks Immediate Backlash
The incident occurred during a live stream earlier this week with popular YouTubers Adin Ross, who is Jewish, and N3on. The 24-year-old NFL star, in his third season with the Rams, was preparing for the team's crucial Thursday night game against the Seattle Seahawks.
In the now-viral clip, Ross encouraged Nacua to practice the celebration. The dance involves spinning the football and flexing before rubbing hands together. The hand-rubbing gesture is a signature move of Ross's, used to reference a degrading and antisemitic stereotype about Jewish people. It remains unclear whether Nacua was aware of the hateful connotations behind the motion.
Political Outcry and Demands for Action
The fallout was swift and severe. California Congressman Eric Swalwell led the condemnation, branding Nacua an "a**hole" and demanding swift action from either the player or the Rams organisation. Swalwell connected the act to heightened tensions following the deadly shooting at a Jewish celebration in Sydney, Australia, over the weekend.
"The Los Angeles Jewish community is on edge after the Bondi Beach massacre," Swalwell stated. "And what does this a**hole @AsapPuka do? He promises an antisemitic touchdown dance for his Thursday night game."
When approached for comment by The Athletic, Nacua's agent, Justin Schulman of Athletes First, responded tersely: 'No comment needed.' The Daily Mail has also reached out to Schulman and the Los Angeles Rams for a statement.
Streamer's Controversial History and Rams Lockout
Adin Ross, despite being Jewish himself, has a history of platforming controversial figures, including far-right provocateur Nick Fuentes and an anonymous Neo-Nazi. Following the initial stream, Ross and N3on attempted to enter the Rams' facility on Tuesday to broadcast again with Nacua, but were denied entry by the team.
Nacua addressed them by phone during their live stream, saying, "I thought my team communicated. I guess there was no communication. Especially then, when Coach found out, he didn’t f*** with that. Just because of the short week." He promised to reconnect after the game, saying, "Let me handle business on Thursday, then we should be good."
Additional Controversies From the Explosive Stream
The offensive dance was not the only controversial moment from the lengthy live stream. Nacua also launched a shocking rant against NFL referees, describing them as "the worst" and claiming they are "lawyers" who "want to be on TV too." Such public criticism of league officials can result in substantial fines for NFL players.
In a lighter, though still provocative, moment, Nacua suggested the "Taylor Swift curse" was a reason for the Kansas City Chiefs' playoff struggles, much to the amusement of his streamer companions.
The Los Angeles Rams have yet to issue an official public response regarding the antisemitism allegations against one of their star players as the story continues to develop.
