An ugly offseason that changed Puka Nacua: The story of his rehab, lawsuits, and fight to save his reputation

Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua had one of the messiest NFL offseasons in recent memory, and he's finally talking about it. After months of silence, the 24-year-old All-Pro spoke at the Rams' OTAs this week, opening up about his rehab stint, weekly therapy meetings, and a renewed focus on being a better person. "Something that I feel like I've learned is that it's okay to ask for support," Nacua said. For a guy who spent the early part of 2026 buried in lawsuits and public apologies, that's a big statement.

Puka Nacua checks into rehab after a chaotic offseason: biting, antisemitism allegations, and a lawsuit

In early March, notably before Atiabi's lawsuit was even filed, Nacua voluntarily checked into a holistic care facility in Malibu.


His attorney confirmed he was also being treated for drug and alcohol issues. The stay was described as "a short stint," and Nacua reportedly completed the programme well before the Rams' offseason workouts began, missing exactly zero sessions. At OTAs this week, he said he's been working with a team therapist, attending weekly meetings, and focusing less on his contract situation and more on being a good father, friend, and teammate. Coach Sean McVay, for his part, has been firmly in Nacua's corner throughout, saying at the NFL league meeting that he trusts Nacua's heart and hopes he's a Ram for a long time.



The contract extension, meanwhile, remains unsigned. Nacua brushed off questions about playing 2026 without a deal, saying he leaves that to his agent and can't imagine playing anywhere else. Given everything that's happened, the Rams seem willing to wait. And honestly? So does everyone else.

Puka Nacua's offseason scandal: what actually happened to the Rams' star receiver

So, what exactly went wrong? It started on New Year's Eve 2025, when Nacua allegedly shouted an antisemitic slur at a restaurant dinner in Los Angeles.


That same night, a woman named Madison Atiabi filed a civil lawsuit claiming he bit her on the shoulder, and allegedly bit her friend's thumb too. His legal team called it a financial "shakedown" and denied the allegations, but the damage to his public image was already done. This came on the heels of a separate incident during the 2025 season, where Nacua had apologised after performing a touchdown celebration on an internet livestream that was widely identified as an antisemitic gesture. Two controversies, back to back, in under three months.




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