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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua apologized for committing an “anti-Semitic” act on a YouTube stream earlier this week.
Nakua discussed the touchdown celebrations on YouTuber Adin Ross’ stream, as Nakua’s Rams are set for a Thursday night game in Seattle against the Seahawks.
Many, however, believed the celebration perpetuated a harmful anti-Jewish stereotype.
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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua warms up before a game against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images)
In the video, Ross asked Nakua to hit the ball, flex, then rub his hands together. Ross, who is Jewish, called the move his own “dance” or “emote.”
Nacua received overwhelming backlash and issued an apology Thursday, hours before his Rams faced the Seattle Seahawks.
“When I appeared on a social media livestream the other day, it was suggested to me that I perform a specific move as part of celebrating my upcoming landing. At the time, I had no idea that this act was anti-Semitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people,” Nacua said in a “Stand Up Against Jewish Hate” graphic. “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.”
One congressman said Nacua should “be abandoned” if he committed the act.
“The Jewish community in Los Angeles is on its last legs after the Bondi Beach massacre. And what does that feel like? [Nakua] TO DO? He promises an anti-Semitic touchdown dance for his Thursday night game. He should apologize or be fired,” he posted on X.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) runs the ball against Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) during the first half at SOFI Stadium. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)
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Ross recently invited Antonio Brown onto a stream, alongside controversial rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, where they both referenced the Charlie Kirk assassination.
Brown, 6ix9ine and Ross were outside the house playing football when fans walked by. Given 6ix9ine’s run-ins with the law and the recent home burglary, everyone was on high alert.
Brown then approached Ross and asked“No one’s going to Charlie Kirk to me, are they?” referring to the assassination of the political commentator in September. 6ix9ine made a similar comment earlier when other fans walked past the house.
Nakua found himself in for quite a week, saying NFL referees were “the worst” and that concussions were “all in your ears” and “you just can’t think about it.” Nakua’s brother was also arrested for theft earlier this week.
Nakua is in the midst of another All-Pro type season, catching 102 passes for 1,367 yards and seven total touchdowns, while missing one game. His 93.7 yards per game are the most in NFL history, and he leads the NFL with 66 first down receptions this season.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua runs toward the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL playoff football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
In his last two games, Nakua has 16 receptions for 348 yards, and with Davante Adams likely out on Thursday, he’ll look to improve on those totals.
