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For only the second time in his NFL career, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is facing the reality of a league-imposed fine. NFL Network reported that the third-year receiver was fined $25,000 after criticizing officials during a viral live stream and in a social media post.
The 24-year-old tackled the costly discipline on Friday, admitting it was difficult. “That one, it really hurt,” Nacua told reporters in his first public comments since receiving the fine.
He added that the fine served as a lesson.
“I think it was something I expected,” he said. “It was a learning moment and an experience to learn from and never let happen again.”
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Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams reacts in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
“There will be moments of frustration later in my career, whether it’s ups and downs on my own part or on the team’s part, so being able to manage those emotions and send that energy in the right direction.”
Nacua first raised eyebrows when he said during a live appearance with internet personalities Adin Ross and N3on that “referees are the worst.”
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He also sparked controversy during the live broadcast when he appeared to perform a gesture that played into anti-Semitic tropes. He then apologized.
“I had no idea that this act was anti-Semitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people,” the recipient said in an Instagram post. “I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions, as I do not advocate any form of racism, intolerance or hatred towards any other group of people.”
Puka Nacua (12) of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a catch during the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 18, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
After catching 12 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns in a Dec. 18 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Nacua once again expressed his frustration with how NFL referees handled the game.
“Can you say I was wrong. Thanks for your input. Lol,” he wrote on X.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) runs with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Seattle, Washington. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Rams coach Sean McVay dismissed the notion that the off-field chatter around Nacua was a distraction leading up to last week’s showdown with the team’s NFC West division rival.
“It wasn’t a distraction at all,” McVay said. “Did you think his acting showed he was distracted? I didn’t think so either. He left today.”
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Nacua said he is more than happy to move on from this tumultuous series of events.
“One hundred percent,” Nacua said. “Christmas. I’m glad something big is happening, something that would push everything back to the week before. It was nice to enjoy, celebrate, rejoice and then prepare for what lies ahead.”
