Puka Nacua might have taken a decision that will keep him out of the court. The Los Angeles Rams wide receiver’s attorney on Wednesday confirmed that he has checked himself into a rehab and is focusing on his health. This comes as last month a woman filed a lawsuit against the 24-year-old, alleging that he made an antisemitic statement and later bit her during a night out in Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve. Back in December, Nacua apologized after making an antisemitic gesture during a livestream appearance.
The Rams star “voluntarily entered a private facility to focus on his health, personal growth, and overall development,” lawyer Levi McCathern told AFP.
His lawyer said Nacua denies the allegation of antisemitism, calling it a “blatant lie,” and describing the bite as “horseplay.”
Nacua’s decision to enter rehab was prior to and unrelated to the lawsuit, said the attorney.
“Puka takes responsibility for his well-being and increasing his performance during the off-season,” said McCathern’s statement.
“He is committed to using this time constructively so that he can return in the best possible position — both personally and professionally — to continue contributing to his team and the game he loves,” it said.
McCathern added: “It is unfortunate that a trivial lawsuit has drawn attention to Puka during a time when he is focused on becoming a better overall person.”
Why the rehab decision helps Puka Nacua’s case
The case is currently under review by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office, which handles misdemeanor offenses that carry a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. As of now, Nacua has not been charged. There is also no indication that federal authorities are pursuing a hate crime case related to the alleged anti-Semitic remarks.
Legal experts say that decision could play a role if charges are eventually brought. Former Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich told USA Today that entering treatment may help reduce potential penalties. “It’s all about education,’’ said Trutanich, who added that he favors alternatives like community service over jail time in such cases.
However, legal scholars cautioned that treatment alone does not determine whether charges will be filed. Deepika Sharma, a clinical associate professor of law, told the publication that such steps are more relevant during sentencing. She and Trutanich both pointed to pretrial diversion as a possible outcome, an option that could allow Nacua to avoid trial and keep a criminal record clean if he complies with court-ordered conditions.
The case remains under review months after the alleged incident was reported to police on January 2. Experts suggest the delay could be due to the high-profile nature of the case. “Maybe because it’s high profile is why it’s taking longer,’’ Sharma said. “You’re going to have a lot more scrutiny when the public and community attention is there.’’
(With AFP inputs)
