Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, one of the NFL’s most productive pass catchers over the past three seasons, is currently in a rehab facility. Attorney Levi McCathern confirmed the development to The California Post on Wednesday.
The news arrives just over a week after a civil lawsuit was filed against Nacua, alleging he made an antisemitic statement and bit a woman on the shoulder on New Year’s Eve.
McCathern was clear, however, that the timing of the rehab stay predates those allegations by a considerable margin. The attorney’s account shifts the context of the story significantly.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has checked into rehab, his attorney, Levi McCathern, told The California Post. pic.twitter.com/10jFfaJ5Rl
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 1, 2026
McCathern confirms Nacua voluntarily entered a Malibu facility in early March
Nacua entered the facility before any of the legal allegations became public. McCathern told The California Post he was in rehab “a substantial period of time before any of these allegations broke… and he’s scheduled to be there for a while longer.”
Los Angeles Rams Puka Nacua
Feb 5, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Puka Nacua on the NFL Honors Red Carpet before Super Bowl LX at Palace of Fine Arts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In a statement to The Athletic, the attorney framed the decision as entirely voluntary:
“Puka takes responsibility for his well-being and increasing his performance during the off-season. 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.”
The lawsuit, filed by a woman named Madison Atiabi, alleges Nacua made an unprovoked antisemitic statement at a New Year’s Eve event in Los Angeles and bit her on the shoulder.
The plaintiff’s application for a temporary restraining order was subsequently denied by the court. The lawsuit, however, continues forward.
McCathern previously told ABC News that Nacua denies the allegations “in the strongest possible terms” and that video evidence would support his account.
He also confirmed to NFL Network that Nacua would finish the program with time to take part in all of the Rams’ organized team activities this offseason.
McVay stands by Nacua while making expectations around his public role clear
On the field, Nacua is coming off the best season of his career. The BYU product led the NFL in receptions in 2025 with 129 catches, 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning his second Pro Bowl selection.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua
Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) reacts after a catch against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
At the NFL’s annual league meetings this week, Rams head coach Sean McVay was asked about the situation and offered measured support.
“You guys know, I trust this kid’s heart,” McVay told reporters. “Love him, put your arm around him, want to continue to help him grow.”
McVay also made clear what comes with Nacua’s level of production:
“The play on the field is amazing, and then with what the play has dictated and determined, there’s a responsibility in terms of representing all things, not exclusive to just that. He knows that.”
Nacua is eligible for a contract extension, having entered the league as a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Rams GM Les Snead was asked at the meetings whether the off-field issues affected his thinking on a long-term deal.
McCathern closed his statement to The California Post with confidence: “I’m just really excited for how he’s going to look next year. For as great as he was, I think he’s going to be even better going forward.”
A receiver of Nacua’s caliber landing a major contract extension will be one of the bigger stories of the 2026 offseason. How the Rams weigh the production against the current scrutiny will shape what that deal ultimately looks like.