Puka Nacua’s first public comments since league fine after Rams loss to Seahawks originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua spoke with reporters Saturday for the first time since being fined by the league for criticizing officiating, and ahead of the Rams’ “Monday Night Football” matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. It marked the second fine of the season for the 24-year-old.
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Nacua delivered a huge performance in Week 16, hauling in 12 catches for 225 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
After the game, however, he posted — and quickly deleted — a critical message aimed at NFL officials. Those comments, along with remarks he made earlier in the week during a livestream, drew the league’s attention.
“Can you say i was wrong. Appreciate you stripes for your contribution. Lol,” he wrote on X.
“The refs are the worst,” he said during a popular livestream a couple weeks ago.
Puka Nacua says he wants to ‘manage those emotions’
According to NFL Network, the league fined Nacua $25,000 for his comments regarding officiating. Addressing the situation on Saturday, Nacua acknowledged the moment was a difficult one and took responsibility for his actions.
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“That one, it definitely hurt,” Nacua told reporters.
He said the fine was a learning experience.
“I think it was something I was expecting,” he said. “It was a learning moment and an experience to learn from and to never let happen again.
“There are going to be moments of frustration later on in my career, whether it’s ups and downs on my personal half or on the team’s half. So, being able to manage those emotions and send that energy in the right direction.”