To say that it has been a noteworthy week for Rams’ Puka Nacua would be a massive understatement.
The star wide receiver has been all over the headlines after going on a controversial livestream with Adin Ross, during which the popular streamer shared a potential touchdown dance.
In a clip that has gone viral on social media, Ross – who is Jewish – demonstrates the dance during which he mimes spinning the ball on the ground, flexing and then hunching over and massaging his palms together with a big grin on his face.
Nacua imitated the dance and said that he would do it during the game, garnering laughter from those present.
Many critics deemed the final portion of the routine “antisemitic,” calling it an insulting trope.
As the clip went viral, Nacua issued an apology on Instagram “to anyone who was offended by my actions.”
“I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people,” he wrote.
“When I appeared the other day on a social media livestream,” Nacua added, “it was suggested to me to perform a specific movement as part of my next touchdown celebration.
“At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people.”
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The touchdown dance wasn’t the only controversial portion of Nacua’s appearance on Ross’ livestream on Tuesday.
Puka Nacua slams NFL refs
Nacua went on a rant against NFL officials, accusing referees of making controversial calls to get time on TV during marquee games.
“The refs are the worst. These guys are lawyers,” Nacua said. “They want to be on TV too, bro. You don’t think he’s texting his friends in the group chat like, ‘Yo, you guys just saw me on Sunday Night Football.’ Like, that wasn’t (pass interference), but I called it.’”
Ross said he would pay any NFL fine that Nacua receives over the comments.
After Nacua’s Rams lost an overtime thriller to the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night, he appeared to double-down on the statement.
“Can you say I was wrong,” he wrote in a since-deleted post. “Appreciate you stripes for your contribution. Lol.”
While it’s unclear what he specifically was referencing, there was one key play in particular during the game that turned heads.
On a two-point conversion attempt for by Seattle Seahawks, referees overturned the initial call of an incomplete pass, ruling the play as a lateral which was recovered in the endzone by running back Zach Charbonnet, tying the game.
Rams coach responds
For his part, Rams coach Sean McVay was blindsided by Nacua’s criticism of officials.
When asked about the tweet by a reporter at the post-game news conference, McVay interjected: “What are you talking about?”
After the individual explained what the receiver had tweeted, McVay offered another curt response.
“So, what are you asking me right now?” McVay said, before adding, “I can’t answer your questions about something that I’m not aware of.”
Samson Nacua reportedly arrested
Nacua’s brother got into hot water of his own earlier this week.
Samson Nacua, who plays for the Michigan Panthers in the UFL, and Trey Rose reportedly were arrested over the weekend for allegedly taking the SUV of Lakers rookie Adou Thiero.
The pair is charged with taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, according to NBC 4 in Los Angeles.