Puka Nacua Opens Up on Alcohol, Rehab — SkimNews
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- Puka Nacua told Netflix's Elle Duncan that "alcohol was definitely a thing" for him as he coped with stresses including becoming a public figure, performing at a high level, and co-parenting his young son.
- Nacua checked into rehab in March and told Duncan he is now "in a better place" after "the darkest times I've had in my life."
- Nacua went from a fifth-round pick out of BYU in 2023 to leading the NFL in receptions just two years later.
- In December, Nacua apologized for performing a gesture on an internet livestream that was "antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people."
- In March, a still-pending lawsuit was filed against Nacua alleging he made an "unprovoked antisemitic statement" toward a woman and later bit her on the shoulder.
- Nacua played in Thursday's 49ers-Rams opener in Melbourne, Australia, finishing with five catches for 74 yards in the Rams' 27-7 loss, and still could face NFL discipline later this season.
Why it matters: Nacua's candor arrives while a civil lawsuit over an alleged antisemitic statement and a possible NFL discipline case remain unresolved, meaning his public vulnerability could be tested by league action and legal proceedings as the Rams' season continues.
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