Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua publicly acknowledged a civil lawsuit filed against him in March for the first time on Thursday. The lawsuit, brought by a woman in Los Angeles, alleges Nacua made an antisemitic statement and bit her on the shoulder, citing gender violence, assault and battery, and negligence. Nacua declined to discuss specifics, calling it 'an ongoing legal battle,' while his attorney Levi McCathern previously denied the allegations in March.

Nacua expressed gratitude for the organization's support during this challenging period, particularly from teammates who checked in throughout the offseason. He acknowledged personal growth opportunities, stating it was 'a moment for me to learn from some of the situations I was putting myself in.' The receiver revealed he has been participating in therapy and spent time in rehab this spring, describing the experience as leading to 'great improvement in my life.'

This incident follows another controversy from December when Nacua apologized for performing an antisemitic gesture during an internet livestream, claiming he had 'no idea' of its harmful nature at the time. Rams head coach Sean McVay praised Nacua's willingness to open up about his struggles, saying the team will 'have our arm around him and continue to support him.'

Nacua, a 2023 fifth-round pick, enters the final season of his rookie contract while eligible for an extension. When asked about playing without a new deal, he said he hasn't 'really thought about it,' focusing instead on daily improvement and competition. His teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba recently became the NFL's highest-paid receiver after signing an extension, potentially setting a market benchmark.