Rams’ Puka Nacua reportedly hit with hefty fine after renewed referee criticism
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua’s tumultuous Thursday began with an apology and ended with more controversial statements.
In between, he gave the best performance of his career.
After catching 12 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns in Thursday’s overtime loss against the Seattle Seahawks, Nacua again expressed his frustration with how NFL referees officiated the game.
Nacua has previously suggested that gaming officials share similarities with lawyers. These comments follow allegations that some referees were throwing flags during matches to increase camera time for the third year running.
CLICK HERE TO GET MORE SPORTS NEWS ON FOXNEWS.COM
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua warms up before his game against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images)
After the Seahawks’ 38-37 win moved Seattle into the top spot in the NFC standings, Nacua took a veiled shot at the game officials.
“Can you tell me I’m wrong? Thank you for your input. Hahaha,” he wrote to X.
The Pro Bowler added that his statement about X was made “in a moment of frustration after such a tough, intense game.”
RAMS STAR PUKA NACUA ACCUSES REFs OF SEARCHING TO GET ON TV: ‘THE WORST’
“It was just a lack of awareness and just a little bit of disappointment.” Nacua said. “I know there are moments where I feel like, ‘Man, you watch other games and you think about the calls some guys are getting and you wish you could have gotten some of those.’ But that’s how football is played and I’m going to do my job to improve my technique to make sure there are no issues on the call.”
However, this time Nacua’s criticism resulted in a heavy fine. The league imposed a $25,000 fine, according to NFL Network.
Los Angeles Rams winger Puka Nacua (12) runs with the ball in the second half against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Nacua expressed his anger on social media just days after the 24-year-old claimed he was the “worst of referees” during a live broadcast with internet celebrities Adin Ross and N3on.
“Some of the rules are not like that… these guys want to be lawyers. These guys are lawyers. They want to be on TV too,” Nacua told ESPN. he said. “You don’t think he’s texting his friends in the group chat: ‘Hey, you just saw me on Sunday Night Football. It wasn’t a PI, but I called.'”
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) throws a touchdown pass in the second half against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Reporters on Thursday asked Nacua if he wanted to clarify his stance on the suggestion that referees actively seek to appear on camera during games.
“No, I don’t,” he replied.
CLICK TO REACH THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION
Also Thursday, Nacua apologized for making a gesture that played on anti-Semitic tropes.
“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.”
Rams coach Sean McVay dismissed the idea that all the off-field talk surrounding Nacua was a distraction leading to Los Angeles’ clash with its NFC West division 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.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports streaming on Xand subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
