Puka Nacua wrapped up the most statistically dominant season of his young career with the Los Angeles Rams. The 24-year-old wide receiver led the league in receptions with 129 receptions and posted 1,715 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns across 16 games. Those numbers earned him All-Pro honors and put him in line for a huge contract extension.
However, his offseason has been chaotic. Following a series of public controversies, he recentlychecked into a luxury rehab center. Because the news broke on April 1, some fans think it’s an April Fools’ prank, while others believe he’s simply trying to escape the negative headlines.
Puka Nacua went to rehab before the woman sued him
ESPN’s Adam Scheftertweetedthat Nacua has checked into rehab in Malibu, California, his attorney Levi McCathern confirmed, according to The California Post. McCathern said Nacua entered the holistic care facility in early March, describing the move as a commitment to “personal growth” ahead of the 2026 season. And not to mention, this move follows months of growing controversy.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua
Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) gives his wristband to a fan as he leaves the field after an NFC Divisional Round game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
During the 2025 season, Nacua apologized for using an antisemitic gesture on a livestream with Adin Ross. Tensions rose again on March 25 when Madison Atiabi filed a civil lawsuit against him.
She alleges that on New Year’s Eve, Nacua made an antisemitic comment and bit her on the shoulder. It also includes charges of assault, battery, and gender violence. McCathern denied the hate speech allegations and called the biting “horseplay.”
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
However, his timing of taking rehab is hard to ignore. Because Nacua checked in voluntarily before the lawsuit went public, he triggered a self-reporting clause in the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
This places him in “Stage 1” of the league’s intervention program. That means this status shields him from immediate fines or suspensions, provided he complies with his clinical treatment plan.
As long as Nacua follows the program’s rules, he won’t face a ban or a Week 1 absence. He is expected to leave the facility in time for team practices in May. While CoachSean McVay has publicly supportedhim, the civil lawsuit remains open, meaning his legal troubles aren’t over yet.
Fans didn’t buy it but let loose
Once news broke on April 2, social media lit up with fans convinced the rehab announcement was less about wellness and more about damage control.
“It’s damage control,” one userwrote. “He was hit with a lawsuit and knew it was coming.”
Another oneadded, “I feel it’s just a PR move.”
A third fanclaimed, “They sending folks to rehab for hating Jews now.”
The fourth onepenned, “How long you think rehab lasts, you f—— idiot.”
And a fifthadded, “Accused of making antisemitic comments, now he’s in rehab. Checks out.”
One X userclaimed, “Best April Fool Surprise.”
McCathern, while denying the rehab was a direct response to the Atiabi lawsuit, did acknowledge that “the combination of stories y’all have run is certainly a contributing factor.” That partial admission didn’t exactly shut down the criticism.
However, with Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba recently resetting the positional market at $42.15 million annually, Nacua had been widely expected to command a historic payday of his own.
And on the legal front, the situation remains fluid. A hearing in the Atiabi lawsuit is scheduled for April 14, and prosecutors from the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office are separately investigating the allegations. Atiabi had filed for a temporary restraining order, which was later denied, before filing the full civil lawsuit.