The news broke that Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua checked himself into a treatment center, and what it means for the team.
Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua continues to be in the headlines, and the latest was one that sent shockwaves through the NFL. Following a series of events, the ascending All-Pro pass catcher checked himself into a rehab center "to improve his overall behavior in every aspect of his life that he can do it."
With the story seemingly casting doubt on Nacua's future with an extension and with the Rams, here is what to know about the situation.
Nacua Checked Himself Into Treatment Center
The initial report showed up on The California Post, with Nacua's lawyer confirming that the receiver had checked himself into a luxury treatment center in Malibu, California, some time ago, and "he’s scheduled to be there for a while longer."
When the news broke that Nacua was in a treatment center, his lawyer, Levi McCathern, released a statement on the matter. The statement reads:
"Puka takes responsibility for his well-being and increasing his performance during the off-season," Nacua's attorney Levi McCathern said in a statement, obtained by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. "So, in early March – before any temporary restraining order was filed by Madison Atiabi and subsequently denied by the Court – Puka voluntarily entered a holistic care facility to focus on his personal growth.
"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 plenty of time to be involved in all of the Rams OTAs. Puka is also deeply grateful for the support he has received from his family, friends, coach [Sean] McVay, and teammates.
"It is unfortunate that a trivial lawsuit has drawn attention to Puka during a time when he is focused on becoming a better overall person. I am really excited to see what the future holds for this gifted young man."
Naturally, the story itself led to plenty being said about Nacua and what may have led to his checking into the center. McCathern clarified the reasoning to The California Post, while also indicating the stories being ran about a lawsuit involving the receiver played a part in his seeking treatment.
"The combination of stories ya’ll have run is certainly a contributing factor," McCathern said.
The combination of stories likely points to the lawsuit involving Nacua and plaintiff Madison Atiabi.
Nacua's Lawsuit and Alleged New Year's Incident
Per court documents obtained by ESPN, Atiabi alleged that Nacua made an "unprovoked antisemitic statement" and then "forcibly bit her," which reportedly left bite marks during an outing on New Year's Eve in Century City, California.
The result of these claims is that Atiabi's legal team issued a request for a restraining order against Nacua, which has now been rescinded so they may "focus our efforts" on the lawsuit.
McCathern has vehemently denied the claims made against Nacua, and the plan is to sue Atiabi for defamation.
"They continue to make up stories trying to turn this minor episode into big dollars," McCathern said of Atiabi and her attorney last week. "In the end, they are going to be paying Puka and not the other way around."
What Sean McVay Said and What it Means for the Future
During the league's annual owners meetings, Rams head coach Sean McVay spoke about the treatment that Nacua is undergoing and the organization is "gathering 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."
"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.
The league is sure to investigate the incident, as is the case for any off-field legal issues that involve any players.
Nacua is set to remain in the treatment center for a while longer, as McCathern indicated in his statement. He also pointed to the pass catcher being ready for training camp.
"Will complete the program in plenty of time to be involved in all of the Rams OTAs," McCathern said.