Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has apologized after taking part in a livestream that included an "antisemitic" act.
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The third-year receiver appeared on a livestream with two people named Adin Ross and N3on ahead of Thursday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. At one point, he told Ross that he would perform a specific celebration if he scored a touchdown against the NFC West rivals.
This celebration would feature Nacua spinning the ball, flexing, and then rubbing his hands together toward the camera. On the surface, rubbing hands together could be innocent, but an X account seemingly associated with Ross labeled this as a "Jewish dance."
Some sources associate this rubbing hands motion with the "Happy Merchant" meme, which depicts a Jewish character.
A statement from #Rams WR Puka Nacua about his recent, controversial comments on a livestream with Adin Ross. pic.twitter.com/awWGVmZgEO
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 18, 2025
"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 wrote on Instagram. "At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people.
"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."
The NFL issued a statement in response to the livestream, saying, "The NFL strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and derogatory behavior directed towards any group or individual. 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."
The appearance on the livestream also included Nacua making comments about the NFL referees, something that the league frowns upon. Negative comments about those calling penalties regularly result in fines, so Nacua could face repercussions later in the week.
"Yeah, the refs are the worst," Nacua said to the two social media personalities. "Some of them, like — these guys are lawyers. They want to be on TV, too. You don't think he's texting his friends in the group chat like, 'Yo, you guys just saw me on 'Sunday Night Football?'
"Like, 'That wasn't P.I. (pass interference), like, but I called it.' I mean, these guys are normal human beings, too, bro."
