Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua apologized Thursday after making an anti-Semitic rant on air recently with Adin Ross and Mikyle Rafiq, also known as N3on, two internet personalities.
“When I appeared the other day on social media live, I was instructed to perform a certain movement as part of my next touch celebration. At the time, I had no idea that this act was anti-Semitic in nature and perpetuates harmful stereotypes against Jews,” Nacua said in an Instagram post. “I sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hatred of another group of people.”
During the live broadcast, Ross, who is Jewish, suggested that Nacua perform a landscape celebration in which he rubs his hands together, a gesture used as anti-Semitism to portray Jews as greedy. Nacua then performed the festival many times.
Asked by Ross if he would host the festival in a game, Nacua said he would.
“I promise,” Nacua told Ross. “I understand you, man.”
“The NFL strongly condemns any form of discrimination or demeaning behavior directed at any group or individual,” the league said in a statement. “The continued rise of anti-Semitism around the world must be addressed and the NFL will continue to stand with our partners in this fight. Hate has no place in our sports or society.”
The Rams WR’s actions have drawn backlash, including from US Rep. Eric Swalwell, who represents California’s 14th district.
“The Los Angeles Jewish community is reeling after the massacre at Bondi Beach. And what’s this a—— @AsapPuka doing? He’s promising an anti-Semitic dance for his game Thursday night,” Swalwell, who is running for governor of California, said Wednesday on social media. “He should apologize or be fired.”
Nacua also criticized NFL referees live.
“The referees are the worst,” Nacua said. “Some of the rules aren’t … These kids want to be … these kids are lawyers. They also want to be on TV. You don’t think he’s texting his friends on the group chat like, ‘Well, you just saw me on Sunday night football. It wasn’t PI, but I called it.’
NFL players can be fined for publicly criticizing referees and officials.
Nacua is expected to speak further after the Rams (11-3) play the Seahawks (11-3) in Seattle on Thursday night, NFL Network’s Steve Wyche reported.
Nacua is in his third season with the Rams. The 2023 fifth-round pick out of BYU leads Los Angeles with 102 receptions and 1,367 receiving yards through Week 15. Nacua’s six TD receptions are tied for second on the team behind Davante Adams. Nacua ranks second in the league in receptions and receptions.
The 24-year-old is eligible for a contract extension beyond the 2025 season. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported last Sunday that extending Nacua and making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid WRs is a “high priority” for the Rams.