Puka Nacua Enters Rehab Amid Mounting Off-Field Controversies
Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua has checked into a rehabilitation facility, his attorney confirmed, with the two-time pro bowler seeking to “improve his overall behavior in every aspect of his life.”
Nacua checked into a luxury treatment center in Malibu in early March, a facility that specializes in helping patients dealing with drug and alcohol addiction, chronic pain, and mental health issues. The news comes amid a turbulent offseason for one of the NFL’s most dynamic pass-catchers.
Last month, a woman in Los Angeles filed a lawsuit against Nacua, alleging he made an antisemitic statement on New Year’s Eve and later bit her on the shoulder. The suit cites gender violence, assault and battery, and negligence.
Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, has denied the allegations in the strongest possible terms, calling the lawsuit a “shakedown attempt.”
Crucially, McCathern emphasized that his client’s decision to seek treatment was not prompted by the legal troubles. Nacua had already been in the facility “a substantial period of time before any of these allegations broke,” according to his attorney, who added that the receiver is “scheduled to be there for a while longer.”
McCathern stated that Nacua “voluntarily entered a private facility to focus on his health, personal growth, and overall development” well before any legal filings were made.
Rams head coach Sean McVay has shown support for the 24-year-old, saying he “trusts this kid’s heart.” McVay acknowledged at the NFL’s annual league meeting that the organization has been aware of the New Year’s Eve incident since it occurred and is continuing to gather information.
On the field, Nacua had a league-high 129 receptions and 1,715 receiving yards in 2025, averaging a league-best 107.2 yards per game with 10 touchdowns. That elite production had positioned him for what was expected to be one of the richest receiver contracts in NFL history this offseason.
Rams general manager Les Snead was asked at the league meeting whether he is hesitant to sign Nacua to a significant contract extension given the off-field developments—a question that underscores the stakes surrounding his rehabilitation stay.
McCathern confirmed that Nacua will complete the program in time to participate in all of the Rams’ OTAs and expressed optimism about the receiver’s future: “I am really excited to see what the future holds for this gifted young man.”
