• Rams receiver Puka Nacua apologized after performing a gesture on a livestream that referenced an antisemitic caricature.
• Nacua said he was unaware the motion was antisemitic and issued a public apology on Instagram.
• The NFL condemned the act and public figures pushed for accountability; Nacua faces possible fines for other comments on the stream.
H2: What happened on the livestream
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua appeared on a live stream hosted by streamer Adin Ross ahead of the Rams’ Week 16 game. On the stream, Ross suggested a touchdown celebration and encouraged Nacua to perform it during a game. Nacua mimicked the sequence — spiking the ball, flexing, then making a hand motion that circulated online as a reference to an antisemitic caricature.
Video of the clip spread quickly on social media, prompting outrage and public calls for an explanation.
H3: Nacua’s apology and statement
Nacua posted a statement on Instagram addressing the incident. He wrote, in part:
“When I appeared the other day on a social media livestream, 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.
I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people.”
H3: Response from the NFL and public figures
The NFL released a statement condemning discrimination and saying the league will stand with partners to address the rise in antisemitism.
“The NFL strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and derogatory behavior directed towards any group or individual,” the league said, adding that “Hatred has no place in our sport or society.” (Statement reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter.)
California Congressman Eric Swalwell publicly demanded an apology on X, writing that the Los Angeles Jewish community was “on edge” and calling on Nacua to apologize or face consequences.
H3: Additional fallout and what’s next
Aside from the gesture, Nacua criticized NFL officials on the same stream — comments that typically draw fines from the league. That means he could face multiple disciplinary actions: a fine for remarks about officials and possible team or league discipline for the celebratory gesture if further review warrants it.
Nacua is expected to play in the upcoming Thursday night game against the Seattle Seahawks, a key NFC West matchup. The Rams and the league will likely address any formal penalties before or after that game.
H4: Bottom line
Nacua’s apology acknowledged a lack of awareness about the gesture’s history and intent. The episode highlights how quickly social media moments can escalate into broader controversies, drawing responses from fans, lawmakers and the league itself.
Image Referance: https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/puka-nacua-apologizes-after-promising-he-would-do-an-antisemitic-touchdown-celebration-i-had-no-idea-194408536.html
