NFL news: Nacua says paying the price after criticizing refs was a ‘learning moment’
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For only the second time in his NFL career, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is facing the reality of a league-imposed fine. The NFL Network reported that the third-year receiver was fined $25,000 after criticizing officials during a viral livestream and in a social media post.
On Friday, the 24-year-old addressed the costly discipline, admitting it was difficult.
“That definitely hurt,” Nacua told reporters in his first public comments since receiving the sentence.
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He added that the punishment serves as a lesson.
“I guess it was something I expected,” he said. “This was a learning moment and an experience to be learned from and never allowed to happen again.
Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams reacts during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on September 28, 2025. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
“There will be moments of disappointment later in my career, whether it’s ups and downs on my personal side or on the team side. So being able to manage those emotions and send the energy in the right direction.”
Nacua raised eyebrows when he called him “the worst referee” during a live broadcast with internet celebrities Adin Ross and N3on.
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He also sparked controversy when he made a gesture during a live broadcast that played on anti-Semitic tropes. He later apologized.
“I had no idea that this action was inherently antisemitic and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people,” the recipient said in an Instagram post. “I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions, as I do not support any form of racism, bigotry, or hatred towards any other group of people.”
Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a catch in the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks on December 18, 2025 at Lumen Field in Seattle. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
After catching 12 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns in an overtime loss against the Seattle Seahawks on December 18, Nacua again expressed his frustration with the way NFL referees officiated the game.
“Can you tell me I’m wrong? Thank you for your input. Hahaha,” he wrote to X.
Los Angeles Rams winger Puka Nacua (12) runs with the ball in the second half against the Seattle Seahawks on Dec. 18, 2025 in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Rams coach Sean McVay dismissed the idea that the off-field talk surrounding Nacua was a distraction that led to last week’s clash with the team’s NFC West rival.
“This was definitely not a distraction,” McVay said. “Did you think the game showed he was distracted? I didn’t think so either. He left today.”
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Nacua said he was more than happy to move forward after a series of tumultuous events.
“One hundred percent,” Nacua said. “Christmas. I’m glad something big happened, something to push everything to the previous week. It was nice to have fun, celebrate, rejoice, and then prepare for what awaits us.”
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