Puka Nacua Apologizes, NFL Releases Statement Following Live Stream Actions
Dec 18, 2025, 2:00 PM
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 14: Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams during warm up before the NFL 2025 game against the Detroit Lions at SoFi Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — Former BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua issued an apology on Thursday following actions on a livestream with content creator Adin Ross this week.
Ross asked Nacua to replicate a dance that has anti-Semitic connotations after scoring a touchdown.
A statement from #Rams WR Puka Nacua about his recent, controversial comments on a livestream with Adin Ross. pic.twitter.com/awWGVmZgEO
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 18, 2025
Nacua released an apology on his Instagram that read:
When I appeared the other day on a social media livestream, it was suggested to me to perform a specific movement as part of my next tounchdown celebration. At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypoes agaisnt Jewish people. I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people.
Following the incident and Nacua’s apology, the NFL released a statement about the situation.
The NFL strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and derogatory behavior directed towards any group or individual. The continuing rise of antisemitism must be addressed across the world, and the NFL will continue to stand with our partners in this fight. Hatred has no place in our sport or society.
The NFL has released a statement about #Rams WR Puka Nacua, who appeared on a controversial livestream with Adin Ross and, among other things, practiced a dance that supported antisemitic tropes. Nacua has since apologized.
“The NFL strongly condemns all forms of discrimination…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 18, 2025
No further action from the NFL is expected against Nacua.
The Rams are set to take on the Seahawks in Seattle on Thursday, December 18, to kick off Week 16.
About Puka Nacua
Before his college career, the Provo, Utah native played high school football at Orem High School. He finished his career with the Tigers as the owner of multiple state records.
After high school, the receiver attended the University of Washington and played a couple of seasons for the Huskies.
After the 2020 season, Nacua returned home to Provo and immediately became a star for the Cougars.
Nacua finished his BYU career with a total of 91 catches for 1,430 yards and 11 touchdowns as well as 39 carries for 357 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Puka, man.
Gotta catch ’em all 🏈 pic.twitter.com/7rsLawwY3S
— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024
In April 2023, the Rams selected Nacua with the No. 177 overall pick during the fifth round of the NFL Draft.
Nacua finished his first season as a professional with an NFL rookie record 105 receptions for 1,486 yards. He also scored six touchdowns.
The rookie wideout received NFL All-Pro second-team honors for his play in 2023. He finished as the runner-up to C.J. Stroud for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Nacua’s sophomore campaign was plagued with injuries, but he still finished the season with 79 receptions for 990 yards and three touchdowns.
About #LocalsInTheNFL
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