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Rams Wide Receiver Puka Nacua Addresses Lawsuit, Thanks Team Support
Puka Nacua spoke publicly for the first time since a March civil lawsuit alleged he made an antisemitic statement and bit a woman on the shoulder. He expressed gratitude for support from the Los Angeles Rams organization and teammates.
May 28, 8:38 PM·2m read2 sources
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Wide receiver Puka Nacua said he is grateful for the support from the Los Angeles Rams organization after a civil lawsuit was filed against him in March. On Thursday, Nacua spoke for the first time since the lawsuit was filed by a woman in Los Angeles alleging Nacua made an unprovoked antisemitic statement and later bit her on the shoulder.
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The lawsuit cites gender violence, assault and battery, and negligence. Nacua declined to address specifics about the lawsuit and night in question, calling it an ongoing legal battle.
In March, Nacua's attorney, Levi McCathern, said in a statement obtained by ABC News that Nacua denies the allegations in the lawsuit in the strongest possible terms. When asked about the allegations Thursday, Nacua said it was a moment for him to learn from some of the situations he was putting himself in and also having just an awareness of how he is conducting himself in and out of this football field.
In December, Nacua issued a statement apologizing for performing a gesture on an internet livestream that was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people. He made the gesture with two internet streamers, who suggested he perform the gesture as part of his next touchdown celebration.
I've been really grateful for the support from the organization, especially my teammates, Nacua said. People reaching out at different times of the offseason, just checking in. Part of that support, Nacua said, is taking part in therapy. Nacua also spent time in rehab this spring.
There's been a lot of good things in the midst of some of these things that have been challenging for me, but it's been a great improvement in my life, Nacua said. On Thursday, Rams coach Sean McVay said he has appreciated Nacua's ability to kind of let me in.
