Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua issued a public apology Thursday after agreeing on a livestream to use a touchdown celebration that was later widely criticized as antisemitic.
Nacua said he did not understand the meaning of the gesture when it was suggested during a Tuesday livestream appearance and expressed regret once its significance became clear. In a statement released Thursday, he said: “When I appeared the other day on a social media livestream, it was suggested to me to perform a specific movement as part of my next touchdown celebration. At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people. I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people.”
The incident occurred during a live broadcast with internet personalities Adin Ross and N3on. During the stream, Ross encouraged Nacua to copy a dance and then suggested he use it during an NFL game if he scored. Nacua agreed, responding, “Yeah, that’s easy.” The gesture included a ball spike, flexing and a motion tied to an antisemitic caricature that has circulated on fringe online platforms. Clips from the stream quickly spread on social media, drawing criticism from fans, advocacy groups and elected officials. The controversy surfaced amid heightened global concern over antisemitism and shortly after a deadly attack targeting the Jewish community in Australia during Hanukkah.
The NFL responded Thursday with a strong condemnation of the incident. In a statement shared by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, the league stated: “The NFL strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and derogatory behavior directed towards any group or individual. The continuing rise of antisemitism must be addressed across the world, and the NFL will continue to stand with our partners in this fight. Hatred has no place in our sport or society.”
The Rams also released their own statement denouncing antisemitism and all forms of prejudice. The team confirmed that Ross and N3on attempted to access the Rams’ practice facility earlier in the week but were denied entry.
Separately, Nacua also drew attention during the same livestream for criticizing NFL officials, saying referees call penalties to get television exposure. Comments of that nature typically result in league fines, and Nacua is expected to face discipline consistent with past NFL precedent.
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