Sports · 04 April, 2026 · 1 min read
Rams' Puka Nacua Checks Into Rehab Before Assault Lawsuit
Nacua checked into a Malibu rehab facility before the lawsuit. Lawsuit alleges antisemitic remark and shoulder bite on New Year's Eve.
Rehab timing relative to lawsuit.
12 of 14 outlets skipped it: city Attorney will decide whether to file criminal charges in the Nacua case..
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Same story, two versions
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ESPN
“He was in [rehab] a substantial period of time before any of these allegations broke ... and he's scheduled to be there for a while longer, McCathern told The California Post.”Read the original ↗
NFL
“So, in early March – before any temporary restraining order was filed by Madison Atiabi and subsequently denied by the Court – Puka voluntarily entered a holistic care facility to focus on his personal growth.”Read the original ↗
Shows a divergence in how outlets frame whether rehab was prompted by the lawsuit or occurring beforehand; ESPN emphasizes prior to allegations, while the NFL source emphasizes pre-lawsuit timing with specific legal action referenced.
Nacua Enters Rehab
Puka Nacua voluntarily checked into rehab in Malibu, confirmed by his attorney.
“He was in rehab a substantial period of time before any of these allegations broke”
McCathern said he had been in rehab before any allegations broke.
The lawsuit alleges assault, battery, and an unprovoked antisemitic statement.
McCathern framed the rehab stay as an attempt to improve his overall behavior.
Rehab Not Direct Response to Lawsuit
The lawsuit claims Nacua made an antisemitic exclamation and bit the plaintiff.
McCathern strongly denied the antisemitic statement and described the bites as horseplay.
Nacua had apologized in December for an antisemitic gesture on a livestream.
The rehab decision was not a direct response to the lawsuit but the combination of stories was a contributing factor.
Support and Future Plans
Nacua will complete rehab in time for Rams OTAs.
“He is committed to using this time constructively”
He is deeply grateful for the support he has received.
McVay's public support contrasts with the growing legal challenges.