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Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua in rehab, attorney says
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has checked into rehab, his attorney Levi McCathern said on Wednesday.
Last month, a woman filed a lawsuit against Nacua alleging he made an "unprovoked antisemitic statement" on New Year's Eve and later bit her on the shoulder.
READ MORE | Puka Nacua sued for allegedly making antisemitic remark, biting woman
"Puka is taking responsibility for his well-being and is focused on improving his performance during the offseason," read McCathern's statement.
The lawsuit filed against Nacua cites gender violence, assault and battery, and negligence. Last month, McCathern said in a statement obtained by ABC News that Nacua denies the allegations in the lawsuit "in the strongest possible terms" and that he has video evidence that "underscores" that the plaintiff's "behavior and actions are inconsistent with the allegations being made."
McCathern said Nacua is going to rehab in an attempt "to improve his overall behavior in every aspect of his life."
"He is committed to using this time constructively so that he can return in the best possible position - both personally and professionally - to continue contributing to his team and the game he loves. He will complete the program in time to fully participate in all of the Rams OTAs. Puka is also deeply grateful for the support he has received from his family, friends, coach McVay, and teammates.
I have spoken with Puka, and he is in great spirits and fully focused on the work ahead. I am confident that he will return stronger than ever and continue to elevate his performance in the upcoming season.
It is unfortunate that a trivial lawsuit has drawn attention to him during a time when he is committed to becoming a better person. I am excited to see what the future holds for this exceptionally talented young man."
At the NFL's annual league meeting earlier this week, coach Sean McVay said the Rams have been aware of the incident since it happened on New Year's Eve and are "continuing to gather all the information."
"But man, you guys know, I trust this kid's heart," McVay said. "Love him, put your arm around him, want to continue to help him grow and really get all the appropriate facts before I kind of rush to judgment on that particular situation."
In December, Nacua issued a statement apologizing for performing a gesture on an internet livestream that was "antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people." Nacua said "at the time he had no idea" of the nature of the gesture, which has been associated with antisemitic themes.
A fifth-round pick in 2023, Nacua is now eligible to sign a contract extension. As the Rams have those discussions, McVay said Nacua understands the responsibility of representing the organization.
"The play on the field is amazing, and then with what the play has dictated and determined, there's a responsibility in terms of representing all things, not exclusive to just that," McVay said. "He knows that. Those are the expectations, and we're hopeful that that'll be something that this will be an opportunity for him to learn and grow.
"And we are hopeful that he's a Ram for a really long time, but he understands what the responsibility is, not exclusive to just the production on the field."
In the wake of the Seattle Seahawks making Jaxon Smith-Njigba the highest-paid receiver in NFL history, Rams general manager Les Snead was asked whether he is hesitant to sign Nacua to a significant contract extension.
"Right now, we're just focused on the human being and then we'll get to that step," Snead said. "We'll let him continue becoming."
ESPN contributed to this report.
