Puka Nacua had a week that drew attention for all the wrong reasons and then some unforgettable football.
Earlier in the week, the Rams wide receiver faced backlash after appearing on a live stream with Adin Ross. During the stream, Nacua made an antisemitic gesture and openly complained about NFL referees. His comments quickly spread online and put him under heavy criticism.
Nacua said referees were the worst part of the game. He suggested that some officials enjoy the spotlight and make calls to be seen on television. He added that referees are regular people who want attention just like everyone else.
By Thursday night, all eyes were on him again. This time, it was because of what he did on the field.
Nacua had the best game of his career against the Seattle Seahawks. He caught 12 passes for 225 yards and scored 2 touchdowns. Despite his huge performance, the Rams blew a 16-point lead and lost the game.
The matchup also included a controversial call by the referees late in the game. That call helped Seattle tie things up and eventually win. The decision sparked anger from Rams fans and players.
What was Puka Nacua’s tweet about?
Right after the loss, Nacua went to social media. He posted a short message taking another shot at the referees. He said he was not wrong and sarcastically thanked the officials for their contributions.
The tweet referenced his earlier comments from the live stream. It did not stay up long. Nacua deleted it within minutes, but screenshots had already spread across the internet.
After the game, reporters asked him about the post. Nacua admitted it was sent out of frustration. He said emotions were high after such a tough and intense game.
He added that he needs to be more aware of how he reacts. He acknowledged that not every call will go his way. He said his focus should be on improving his own play so penalties are not an issue.
Rams head coach Sean McVay spoke to the media after the game. At first, he said he was unaware of the tweet and could not comment on something he had not seen.
When asked about Nacua’s appearance on the Adin Ross stream, McVay gave a longer response. He defended Nacua as a person but admitted mistakes were made.
McVay said Nacua did not fully understand the weight of his actions. He described him as a good kid who is still learning how to handle his platform. He said the team will continue to support him while making sure he grows and learns from the situation.
McVay also denied knowing anything about Nacua trying to have Ross film at the Rams facility. He emphasized that guiding young players through moments like this is part of his job.
The week ended with Nacua putting up historic numbers on the field. But the off-field moments may linger longer than the stats.
