Rams WR Nacua enters rehab for 'personal growth'

Attorney says All-Pro receiver is committed to improving behavior before OTAs

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:58pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in the Rams' uniform colors of blue, yellow, and red, conveying the challenges of balancing athletic performance and personal growth.Nacua's decision to enter rehab underscores the complex balance between on-field success and off-field behavior for star athletes.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has checked into a rehabilitation facility, his attorney Levi McCathern announced on Wednesday. McCathern stated that Nacua voluntarily entered the program in early March to focus on his 'personal growth' before a woman filed a civil lawsuit against him involving alleged incidents from New Year's Eve.

Why it matters

Nacua is a star player for the Rams, making the Pro Bowl in two of his first three NFL seasons. However, he has also faced off-field issues, including an antisemitic celebration last year and the recent lawsuit alleging gender violence, assault, and battery. The team has expressed hope that Nacua can continue to grow both on and off the field.

The details

According to McCathern, Nacua entered rehab prior to a woman seeking a temporary restraining order and filing a civil lawsuit against him. The lawsuit alleges Nacua made antisemitic statements at a dinner party and bit two women in separate incidents on New Year's Eve. McCathern denied Nacua made any such remarks and categorized the bites as 'horseplay.' The attorney said Nacua is committed to using his time in the program to 'improve his overall behavior in every aspect of his life' before returning in time for the Rams' organized team activities.

  • In early March, Nacua voluntarily entered a rehabilitation facility.
  • Nacua is expected to complete the program before the Rams' OTAs, which typically begin in late May and early June.

The players

Puka Nacua

A wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams who has made the Pro Bowl in two of his first three NFL seasons, but has also faced off-field issues.

Levi McCathern

The attorney representing Puka Nacua, who announced that Nacua has entered a rehabilitation facility to focus on his 'personal growth.'

Sean McVay

The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, who has expressed hope that Nacua can continue to grow both on and off the field.

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What they’re saying

“'Puka takes responsibility for his well-being and increasing his performance during the offseason. So, in early March ... Puka voluntarily entered a holistic care facility to focus on his personal growth.'”

— Levi McCathern, Attorney

“'We are hopeful that he's a Ram for a really long time, but he understands what the responsibility is, not exclusive to just the production on the field.'”

— Sean McVay, Head Coach

What’s next

Nacua is expected to complete the rehabilitation program before the Rams' organized team activities, which typically begin in late May and early June.

The takeaway

Nacua's decision to enter rehab highlights the challenges star athletes can face balancing on-field success with off-field behavior. The Rams organization has expressed hope that Nacua can continue to grow as a player and person, underscoring the importance of personal development for elite athletes.