NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua apologized for performing an “anti-Semitic” act on a YouTube stream earlier this week.
Nakua discussed touchdown celebrations on YouTuber Adin Ross’ stream as Nakua’s Rams are set for a Thursday night affair in Seattle against the Seahawks.
However, many believed that the celebration perpetuated a harmful anti-Jewish stereotype.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images)
In the video, Ross instructed Nakua to spike the ball, bend and then rub his hands together. Ross, who is Jewish, has referred to the movement as his own “dance” or “feeling.”
Nacua suffered a stunning backlash and issued an apology Thursday, hours before his Rams take on the Seattle Seahawks.
“When I appeared the other day on a social media live stream, it was suggested that I perform a specific movement as part of my next touchdown celebration. At the time, I had no idea that this act was anti-Semitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jews,” Nacua said in a “Stand Up to Jewish Hate” graphic. “I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hatred towards another group of people.”
One congressman said Nacua should “be dropped” if he carried out the act.
“The Los Angeles Jewish community is on edge after the Bondi Beach massacre. And what does this mean a – hole [Nakua] do? He promises an anti-Semitic touchdown dance for his game Thursday night. He should apologize or be dropped,” he wrote on X.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) runs the ball against Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Photos)
GIANTS’ JAXSON DART REACTS TO COMMANDER’S PLAN TO ‘GO OUT TO HIT’ ROOKIE QUARTERBACK
Ross recently had Antonio Brown on a stream with controversial rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, where they both referenced Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Brown, 6ix9ine and Ross were outside the home playing pickup football when fans drove by. Given 6ix9ine’s run-ins with the law and the recent home burglary, everyone was on high alert.
Brown then approached Ross and asked“No one wants to Charlie Kirk me, do they?” referring to the political commentator’s murder in September. 6ix9ine made a similar comment earlier as other fans drove by the home.
Nakua has found himself for an entire week claiming NFL referees were “the worst” and concussions are “all in your ear” and “you just can’t think about it.” Nakua’s brother was also arrested for theft earlier this week.
Nakua is in the midst of another All-Pro type season, catching 102 passes for 1,367 yards and seven total touchdowns while missing one game. His 93.7 yards per game are the most in NFL history and he leads the NFL with 66 first-down receptions this season.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua runs toward the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
In his last two games, Nakua has 16 receptions for 348 yards, and with Davante Adams likely out Thursday, he’ll look to improve on those totals.
