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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua apologized for performing an “anti-Semitic” act in a YouTube stream earlier this week.
Nakua talked about the touchdown celebrations on YouTuber Adin Ross’ stream, as Nakua’s Rams get ready for a Thursday night game in Seattle against the Seahawks.
Many, however, believed that 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 instructed Nakua to spike the ball, flex and then rub his hands together. Ross, who is Jewish, has referred to the movement as his own “dance” or “emotion.”
Nacua received overwhelming pushback and apologized Thursday, hours before his Rams faced the Seattle Seahawks.
“When I appeared on a livestream on social media the other day, it was suggested that I perform a specific move as part of my upcoming touchdown celebration. 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 to 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 another group of people.”
One congressman said Nacua should “be dismissed” if he carried out the act.
“The Los Angeles Jewish community is on edge after the Bondi Beach massacre. And what does this moron mean? [Nakua] 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. Vásquez-Imagn Images)
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Ross recently had Antonio Brown on a broadcast, along with controversial rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, where they both referenced the murder of Charlie Kirk.
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 invasion, everyone was on high alert.
Brown then approached Ross and asked“No one’s going to be Charlie Kirk, are they?” referring to the murder of the political commentator in September. 6ix9ine made a similar comment earlier when other fans were passing by the house.
Nakua has found himself in for a big week, claiming that NFL referees were “the worst” and that concussions are “all in your ear” and “you just can’t think about it.” Nakua’s brother was also arrested for robbery 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, all while missing one game. His 93.7 yards per game is 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 into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL wild card 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 will look to improve on those totals.
