Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has entered a luxury rehabilitation facility in Malibu as he contends with off-field legal issues, including a civil lawsuit alleging assault, battery, and antisemitic remarks.
The lawsuit stems from a New Year’s Eve incident in which plaintiff Madison Atiabi claims Nacua bit her on the shoulder while the group was in a van, leaving visible teeth marks. She also alleges he bit her friend’s thumb. Atiabi further accuses Nacua of making antisemitic comments later that evening in Century City, saying the remarks caused her emotional distress as a Jewish woman, reported The Daily Caller.
Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, confirmed the rehab stay to The California Post on Wednesday, emphasizing that the wide receiver entered the facility before the lawsuit was filed and prior to any temporary restraining order request, which a court later denied.
“He was in there a substantial period of time before any of these allegations broke with Madison, and he’s scheduled to be there for a while longer,” McCathern said.
“The combination of stories ya’ll have run is certainly a contributing factor,” the lawyer added, noting that Nacua is working “to improve his overall behavior in every aspect of his life that he can do it.”
THIS JUST IN:
Rams WR Puka Nacua is being brought in for a dental evaluation to test against the bite mark claimed by the plaintiff.Nacua in response said, “she begged me like a dog… no pun intended.” pic.twitter.com/ksa4cxdtn6
— Football Crave (@FootballCravee) March 29, 2026
McCathern has denied the antisemitism allegations on behalf of his client and characterized the alleged biting incidents as “horseplay,” according to reports.
In a broader statement, McCathern said: “Puka takes responsibility for his well-being and increasing his performance during the offseason. 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 added that Nacua “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.”
Nacua, one of the league’s top young receivers, has previously faced scrutiny over an antisemitic gesture during a livestream in December. He later apologized, saying he was unaware of its meaning at the time.
The Los Angeles Rams have not publicly commented on the allegations as of Thursday. Nacua is expected to participate in the team’s organized activities later this spring.
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