Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons this past week, beginning with an appearance on a livestream with Adin Ross and N3on where he performed an antisemitic dance.
Nacua also made disparaging remarks about NFL officials, claiming some only make calls for the sole purpose of getting on TV.
Nacua later took to social media to further criticize the referees in a now-deleted post after the Rams’ loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football.
Nacua has since apologized and chalked his comments up to frustration, but the league nevertheless fined him $25,000, via Mike Garafolo of NFL Network:
The NFL has fined #Rams WR Puka Nacua $25,000 for his comments about officiating, source says. Nacua had compared officials to lawyers and said they make calls to be on TV. pic.twitter.com/xiHFAQkDbc
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 19, 2025
Although Nacua showed remorse, the NFL automatically fines players and coaches for any public criticism of officials, so the Pro Bowler will have to be mindful of this in the future.
Nacua is an extremely talented player, but this week was a learning experience for him as far as handling himself off the field.
While the loss to the Seahawks is a tough one to swallow, Nacua and the Rams will now shift their focus to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17 as they look to end the regular season on a high note.
Sean McVay loves position Rams are in
The Rams are now facing the likelihood of making the postseason as a Wild Card team, which would mean no first-round bye or home games. While it’s not an ideal situation to be in, head coach Sean McVay said the team is looking forward to the challenge.
“I love it. I love exactly where we’re at,” McVay said. “I’m going to tell you this: Just like every other situation that’s come up this year, we’re going to come back swinging. This is going to be a setback that’s going to be a setup for a phenomenal comeback for us.
“I don’t look at it at all like that. This is a phenomenal, beautiful opportunity for us to respond. I’m grateful that our season isn’t over and that we have an opportunity to lean in and try to finish this thing strong. Whether we’re at home or away, I couldn’t care less. I’m ready to roll and I can’t wait to do it with this group.”
