Puka Nacua, a star wide receiver for the NFL‘s Los Angeles Rams, apologized Thursday for a gesture he performed earlier in the week on a livestream with Adin Ross and N3on.
As seen in footage shared on social media from the livestream Tuesday night, the athlete rehearsed the action after Ross and N3on suggested that he include it in a forthcoming touchdown celebration during a game. The gesture has been criticized as antisemitic.
“When I appeared the other day on a social media livestream, it was suggested to me to perform a specific movement as part of my next touchdown celebration,” Nacua posted to Instagram on Thursday. “At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people.”
He continued, “I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people.”
In a statement Thursday, the NFL said it “strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and derogatory behavior directed towards any group or individual.” The message added, “The continuing rise of antisemitism must be addressed across the world, and the NFL will continue to stand with our partners in this fight. Hatred has no place in our sport or society.”
Additionally, the Rams issued a statement that day that read, “There is no place in this world for Antisemitism as well as other forms of prejudice or hostility towards the Jewish people and people of any religion, ethnicity, or race.”
Nacua’s livestream appearance was discussed during the Rams’ Thursday night game against the Seattle Seahawks.
“Puka Nacua made a couple of headlines, and he apologized,” Thursday Night Football sportscaster Al Michaels said near the end of the third quarter, with the Rams holding a big lead. “You thought this could have been a distraction — not at all for the Rams.”
Added commentator Kirk Herbstreit, “Hopefully, it will be a learning opportunity for him. He’s a great guy.”
Heading into the match-up against their division rival, the Rams held the best record in the NFC. Nacua made the Pro Bowl after the 2023 season.
Nacua’s apology follows an attack over the weekend on Bondi Beach in Sydney, where two gunmen killed 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration.
Dec. 18, 7:40 p.m. This story has been updated with comments from the Rams-Seahawks game.
This story was originally published on Dec. 18 at 12:35 p.m.
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