Us News

Rams troublemaker WR Puka Nacua says he's a changed man after biting incident and stint in rehab

Rams WR Puka Nacua finally addresses his controversial offseason at OTAs after alleged biting incident, antisemitic remarks and rehab stint.

Published May 29, 2026, 1:45 AM
Updated May 29, 2026, 1:56 AM2.0K
Share𝕏f
Rams troublemaker WR Puka Nacua says he's a changed man after biting incident and stint in rehab

The award for the NFL's worst offseason might belong to Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua.

Nacua, 24, has stayed in the headlines since Los Angeles’ crushing NFC Championship Game loss to the Seattle Seahawks, with the attention peaking after reports surfaced of Nacua allegedly biting a woman during a New Year’s Eve incident.

Public intoxication allegations, claims of antisemitic remarks and a series of embarrassing headlines have put the Rams star under heavy scrutiny. Even Super Bowl-winning Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold weighed in with criticism.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

Puka Nacua carrying football during game at Levi's Stadium

Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams carries the football after setting the rookie record for total receiving yards in a season during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Jan. 7, 2024. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Speaking at organized team activities (OTAs) on Thursday, Nacua finally addressed his chaotic offseason.

RAMS STAR PUKA NACUA ACCUSED OF BITING WOMAN, MAKING ANTISEMITIC REMARKS: REPORT

Nacua also entered rehab in Malibu and said the experience helped him reflect.

"With it being an ongoing legal battle, out of respect for the other party involved, I don’t really have that much to speak on," he said. "But as I previously stated, [it’s] a moment for me to learn from kind of some of the situations I was putting myself in. And then also having just an awareness of how I’m conducting myself in and out of this football field."

Nacua is also reportedly receiving treatment for drug and alcohol issues.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua reacting on the field after a game.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua reacts after the Rams defeated the Buffalo Bills 44-42 in Inglewood, Calif., on Dec. 8, 2024. (Eric Thayer/AP)

During a New Year’s Eve dinner in Los Angeles, Nacua was accused of shouting, "F--k all the Jews." A woman in his group also alleged that Nacua bit her forcefully on the shoulder and thumb. Nacua and his legal team denied the antisemitism allegations in a public statement.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

In January, the controversy surrounding the Nacua family deepened when Puka’s older brother, Samson, made headlines after being arrested on allegations tied to the theft of a Lakers player’s car. Samson was never charged. He had previously been suspended by the United Football League (UFL) for slapping a fan.

Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams looking on at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte

Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams looks on before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., on Nov. 30, 2025. (David Jensen/Getty Images)

Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela 

Alejandro Avila is a longtime writer at OutKick, living in Southern California. 

Share𝕏f
News17 is committed to delivering accurate, fair, and thoroughly researched reporting. If you believe this article contains an error, please contact our editorial team at corrections@news17.net. We take all reports seriously and will issue corrections promptly when warranted.