Puka Nacua's Lawyer Calls Biting Lawsuit a 'Shakedown'

The Los Angeles Rams star's attorney says the allegations are 'completely meritless' and vows to file a defamation lawsuit.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:18am

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has been accused of biting a woman, leading to a lawsuit and a request for a temporary restraining order. Nacua's lawyer, Levi McCathern, has called the lawsuit a 'shakedown' and says the allegations are 'completely meritless'. McCathern says they will be filing a defamation lawsuit in response to the 'false and damaging statements'.

Why it matters

This legal battle comes as Nacua enters the final year of his rookie contract with the Rams. The outcome could impact his future with the team and potentially his next contract, which was expected to be a record-breaking extension.

The details

The woman, Madison Atiabi, had filed for a temporary restraining order against Nacua, but her attorneys have since withdrawn that petition. However, the lawsuit against Nacua remains active. Nacua's lawyer has denied the biting allegations, but has not denied that the incident took place. He has accused Atiabi's team of attempting to 'blackmail' Nacua by demanding millions of dollars to not publicize the allegations.

  • The alleged biting incident occurred in 2026.
  • Atiabi's attorneys withdrew the temporary restraining order petition on March 27, 2026.
  • Nacua's lawyer says they will be filing a defamation lawsuit in response to the allegations.

The players

Puka Nacua

A wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams who has been accused of biting a woman, leading to a lawsuit against him.

Levi McCathern

The attorney representing Puka Nacua, who has called the lawsuit a 'shakedown' and says the allegations are 'completely meritless'.

Madison Atiabi

The woman who has accused Puka Nacua of biting her, leading to a lawsuit against the Rams star.

Joseph Kar

The attorney representing Madison Atiabi in the lawsuit against Puka Nacua.

Michael Irvin

A Hall of Fame NFL player who has had his own off-field issues, and whom a podcast host has urged Nacua to seek out for guidance.

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What they’re saying

“The TRO was withdrawn because it was completely meritless – just like the lawsuit. They continue to make up stories trying to turn this minor episode into big dollars. In the end, they are going to be paying Puka and not the other way around.”

— Levi McCathern, Puka Nacua's attorney

“What's too much fun?”

— LeSean McCoy, Former NFL running back

“Seek out Michael Irvin. He had his own off-field issues to overcome.”

— Cam'Ron, Rapper

What’s next

Nacua's lawyer says they will be filing a defamation lawsuit in response to the 'false and damaging statements' made against the Rams star.

The takeaway

This legal battle highlights the challenges young, wealthy athletes can face with off-field incidents, and the importance of surrounding themselves with the right guidance to navigate such situations. Nacua's future with the Rams and his next contract could hinge on the outcome of this case.