Rams' Nacua Enters Rehab Amid Assault Allegations

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has checked into a rehabilitation center following accusations of assault and battery. A woman identified as Madison Atiabi alleges Nacua bit her shoulder and her friend's thumb during an incident on New Year's Eve. Nacua's attorney described the bites as horseplay and denied claims of an antisemitic remark.

Atiabi claims the encounter occurred in a van late on New Year's Eve, leaving teeth marks on her shoulder. She and her attorney further allege Nacua made an antisemitic statement that caused emotional distress during time spent together in Century City. Nacua's lawyer, Levi McCathern, called the lawsuit a shakedown attempt and noted the bite caused only a temporary mark.

McCathern confirmed Nacua entered rehab before the allegations surfaced and plans to remain there longer to improve his behavior. He attributed media coverage as a contributing factor. Nacua previously apologized for an antisemitic gesture during a YouTube stream touchdown celebration discussion last year, where he rubbed his hands together—a motion criticized as perpetuating a harmful stereotype.

Nacua recorded career highs last season with 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns as an All-Pro wide receiver for the Rams.