Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua checked into rehab at a Malibu facility this offseason. The news was first reported by The California Post and was confirmed by Nacua’s lawyer, Levi McCathern.
The news comes as Nacua is facing allegations for making an antisemitic comment and biting a woman, Madison Atiabi, on New Year’s Eve. Atiabi filed a civil lawsuit against Nacua, citing gender violence, assault and battery, and negligence. McCathern told The California Post he did not go to rehab because of the suit:
“He was in there a substantial period of time before any of these allegations broke with Madison,” McCathern said, “and he’s scheduled to be there for a while longer.”
A hearing in scheduled for April 14. The woman also filed for a temporary restraining order, but that request was denied.
"Puka denies these allegations in the strongest possible terms,” McCathern said last week in a statement to ABC News regarding the allegations from Atiabi. “We will be filing a defamation lawsuit and pursuing all available legal remedies in response to these false and damaging statements.”
Previously during the 2025 season, Nacua apologized after agreeing on a livestream to perform a touchdown celebration that is believed to be antisemitic in nature.
In a statement obtained by NFL Network on Wednesday, McCathern also said of Nacua, “Puka takes responsibility for his well-being and increasing his performance during the offseason. 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.
He is committed to using his time constructively so that he can return in the best possible position—both personally and professionally—to continue contributing to his team and the game he loves. He will complete the program in plenty of time to be involved in all of the Rams OTAs. Puka is also deeply grateful for the support he has received from his family, friends, Coach McVay and his teammates. It is unfortunate that a trivial lawsuit has drawn attention to Puka during a time when he is focused on becoming a better overall person. I am really excited to see what the future holds for this gifted young man.”
Nacua is currently eligible for a contract extension. Earlier this week, Rams head coach Sean McVay addressed the allegations at the NFL league meeting and said the organization has been aware of them since New Year’s Eve.
“The play on the field is amazing,” McVay said, via Adam Grosbard of the OC Register. “And then with what the play has dictated and determined, there's a responsibility in terms of representing all things. He knows that. We are hopeful that he's a Ram for a really long time"
"I trust this kid's heart,” McVay also said of Nacua, per Grosbard. “Love him. Put your arm around him, want to continue to help him grow. And really get all the appropriate facts before I rush to judgment.”
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Puka Nacua Checked Into Rehab This Offseason.
