Rams WR Nacua Accuser Withdraws Restraining Order Request

Civil lawsuit against the player will now proceed, attorney says

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:54pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in navy, green, and orange hues, conceptually representing the fragmented and multi-faceted nature of the legal case between the NFL player and his accuser.The complex legal battle between a star NFL player and his accuser unfolds through a fragmented, cubist lens.Los Angeles Today

A woman who previously was denied a restraining order against Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua for procedural reasons has withdrawn her petition without prejudice, instead choosing to prioritize a civil lawsuit against him, The Athletic reported Wednesday.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal issues surrounding allegations of misconduct by high-profile athletes, as well as the challenges of balancing civil and criminal proceedings. The withdrawal of the restraining order request suggests the accuser may feel the civil lawsuit provides a better path to addressing her claims.

The details

The woman, Madison Atiabi, had accused Nacua of biting her on the shoulder and her friend on the thumb at a New Year's Eve celebration in Los Angeles. She also alleged that Nacua made an antisemitic remark during the incident. Nacua's attorney has denied the antisemitic claim, describing the biting as 'horseplay.' Earlier this month, Nacua's attorney announced that the player had voluntarily entered a rehabilitation facility to focus on his 'personal growth.'

  • On New Year's Eve, the alleged incident took place in Los Angeles.
  • In early March, Nacua voluntarily entered a rehabilitation facility.
  • On April 15, 2026, Atiabi withdrew the restraining order request.

The players

Puka Nacua

A wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams who has been accused of misconduct, including biting a woman and making an antisemitic remark. He recently entered a rehabilitation facility.

Madison Atiabi

The woman who previously sought a restraining order against Nacua but has now withdrawn that request in order to prioritize a civil lawsuit against him.

Joseph Kar

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

Levi McCathern

The attorney representing Puka Nacua, who has denied the antisemitic claim and described the biting incident as 'horseplay.'

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What they’re saying

“'A voluntary withdrawal allows for the merits of the civil matter to be thoroughly investigated and tried to a jury. Civil harassment petitions are not normally ever tried before any jury while the civil lawsuit will be proceeding on all counts to a jury.'”

— Joseph Kar, Attorney for Madison Atiabi

“'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

What’s next

The civil lawsuit filed by Madison Atiabi against Puka Nacua will now proceed, with a jury trial expected to address the merits of the case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal landscape surrounding allegations of misconduct by high-profile athletes, as well as the challenges of balancing civil and criminal proceedings. The withdrawal of the restraining order request suggests the accuser may feel the civil lawsuit provides a better path to addressing her claims, while Nacua's decision to enter rehabilitation indicates he is taking steps to address the issues at hand.