{"id":848283,"date":"2026-04-02T00:47:31","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T00:47:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/848283\/"},"modified":"2026-04-02T00:47:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T00:47:31","slug":"rams-puka-nacua-in-rehab-facility-amid-lawsuit-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/848283\/","title":{"rendered":"Rams\u2019 Puka Nacua in Rehab Facility Amid Lawsuit: Report"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Puka\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on before a game against the Carolina Panthers.<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Rams<\/a> star Puka Nacua<\/a> has drawn plenty of praise for his play from team brass in recent days, but his off-field activities have led to the two-time Pro Bowler and 2025 First Team All-Pro taking some time away from the spotlight.<\/p>\n

Nacua has been visible this offseason, but has taken a noticeable step back.<\/p>\n

How his latest incident plays out in the courts and the impact that it will have on his highly anticipated contract extension remain unclear.<\/p>\n

Puka Nacua Checked Into Rehab: Report\"Puka<\/p>\n

GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during a game against the Arizona Cardinals<\/a>.<\/p>\n

According to Nacua\u2019s attorney, Levi McCathern<\/a>, the Rams star has been in a \u201cluxury treatment center in Malibu.\u201d<\/p>\n

There is currently no public timetable for Nacua to leave the facility.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile McCathern said the move was not a direct response to the lawsuit Nacua\u2019s bite accuser, Madison Atiabi, filed against him late last month, the lawyer did say \u2018the combination of stories ya\u2019ll have run is certainly a contributing factor,\u2019\u201d the New York Post\u2019s Edward Lewis wrote<\/a> on April 1.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was in there a substantial period of time before any of these allegations broke with Madison \u2026 and he\u2019s scheduled to be there for a while longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

McCathern expressed pride in Nacua for taking action and released a statement.<\/p>\n

A statement from attorney Levi McCathern, who represents #Rams<\/a> star WR Puka Nacua \u2014 who is currently at a recovery center. <\/p>\n

McCarthern\u2019s timeline is noteworthy. Images and video<\/a> of Nacua coaching up his 7-on-7 team, Team Puka, to a victory in OT7 made the rounds on social media over the weekend. That was after the news of the lawsuit<\/a> first emerged publicly.<\/p>\n

The post included photos of Nacua coming and going from the facility \u201con two separate occasions\u201d this month.<\/p>\n

He has even had at least one visitor.<\/p>\n

The accused biting is the second alcohol-related incident for which Nacua has drawn attention since the Rams\u2019 season ended. He was also spotted stumbling<\/a> following the Super Bowl between the New England Patriots<\/a> and the Seattle Seahawks<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Rams Supporting Puka Nacua, Mum on Rehab Stay\"Puka<\/p>\n

GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams answers questions from the media following practice at Rams\u2019 Organized Team Activities.<\/p>\n

The Rams have been effusive in their praise for what Nacua brings to the football field. General manager Les Snead<\/a> noted he was underdrafted. However, Rams head coach Sean McVay<\/a> has also been clear that they expect better of their star playmaker.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe play on the field is amazing. And then, with what the play has dictated and determined, is a responsibility in terms of representing all things, not exclusive to just that [on-field actions]. He knows that those are the expectations, and we\u2019re hopeful that that\u2019ll be something that this will be an opportunity for him to learn and grow,\u201d McVay told reporters<\/a> on March 30.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are hopeful that he\u2019s a Ram for a really long time, but he understands what the responsibility is, not exclusive to just the production.\u201d<\/p>\n

Notably, there has been no mention of Nacua\u2019s rehab stay.<\/p>\n

Rams Face Significant Decision<\/p>\n

Both Snead and Rams COO Tony Pastoors<\/a> said everything factors into contract decisions<\/a>. Snead, though, echoed McVay<\/a> in that the Rams want Nacua with the organization for a long time. The question has become how wise the Rams would be to enrich Nacua to the expected extent.<\/p>\n

His off-field activities have frequently landed him in the spotlight for negativity.<\/p>\n

The Rams were expected to wait<\/a> until the summer before making a decision on an extension for Nacua. This would seem to be another factor behind their logic.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tJosh Buckhalter<\/a> covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

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