Rams WR Puka Nacua enters rehab for 'personal growth'

Attorney says Nacua voluntarily checked into facility prior to lawsuit allegations

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:10am

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has entered a rehabilitation facility to focus on his 'personal growth,' according to his attorney Levi McCathern. This comes before a woman filed a civil lawsuit against Nacua, alleging gender violence, assault, and battery incidents from a New Year's Eve dinner party. McCathern denied Nacua made any antisemitic remarks and categorized the alleged bites as 'horseplay,' but said Nacua is committed to improving his overall behavior.

Why it matters

Nacua is a star player for the Rams, making the Pro Bowl twice in his first three NFL seasons. However, he has faced off-field issues, including an incident in December where he performed an antisemitic touchdown celebration. This latest situation raises concerns about Nacua's behavior and judgment, which could impact his standing with the team and league.

The details

According to the attorney, Nacua voluntarily entered a 'holistic care facility' in early March to focus on his 'personal growth' before the lawsuit allegations emerged. The lawsuit alleges Nacua made antisemitic statements and bit two women at a New Year's Eve dinner party. McCathern denied the antisemitic remarks and characterized the bites as 'horseplay,' but said Nacua is committed to improving his overall behavior through the rehab program.

  • Nacua entered rehab in early March 2026.
  • The lawsuit against Nacua was filed after he entered rehab.
  • Nacua is expected to complete the rehab program before the Rams' organized team activities in late May/early June 2026.

The players

Puka Nacua

A wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams who has made the Pro Bowl twice in his first three NFL seasons, but has faced off-field issues including an antisemitic touchdown celebration and the recent lawsuit allegations.

Levi McCathern

The attorney representing Puka Nacua, who issued a statement saying Nacua voluntarily entered rehab to focus on his 'personal growth' before the lawsuit allegations emerged.

Sean McVay

The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, who has spoken about the importance of Nacua growing on and off the field as the team considers a contract extension.

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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 for Puka Nacua

“'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, Los Angeles Rams

What’s next

Nacua is expected to complete the rehab program before the Rams' organized team activities in late May or early June 2026, at which point the team will evaluate his status and potential contract extension.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the challenges professional athletes can face balancing on-field success with off-field behavior. Nacua's decision to enter rehab proactively is a positive step, but the pending lawsuit and past incidents raise concerns about his judgment that the Rams will need to carefully consider as they determine his long-term future with the team.