Rams’ Puka Nacua Criticizes NFL Officials Again Following Overtime Loss to Seahawks
SEATTLE, Wash. — Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua once again publicly expressed frustration with NFL officiating after the team’s narrow 38-37 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night. In a now-deleted post on his X account, Nacua took a pointed jab at the referees, writing, “Can you say I was wrong. Appreciate you stripes for your contribution. Lol.” The post came on the heels of a standout performance by Nacua, who was a key offensive weapon throughout the game.
Rams head coach Sean McVay addressed the incident during the postgame press conference but said he was unaware of the social media message and declined to comment on it directly. This episode marks the third time in the past week that Nacua has attracted controversy surrounding his remarks about NFL officials.
Earlier in the week, during a livestream with popular streamer Adin Ross, Nacua harshly criticized the referees, calling them “the worst.” He accused some officials of seeking television exposure and suggested they communicate informally about calls, saying, “You don’t think he’s texting his friends in the group chat like, ‘Yo, you guys just saw me on Sunday Night Football. That wasn’t P.I., but I called it.’” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport indicated on Amazon Prime Video that Nacua could face fines for these comments, which are viewed as undermining the integrity of officiating.
Compounding the controversy, Nacua recently issued an apology after performing a touchdown celebration during a social media livestream that was widely condemned as perpetuating harmful antisemitic stereotypes. The gesture, which involved spiking the ball, flexing, and rubbing his hands together, was suggested by Ross and sparked immediate backlash. Nacua released a statement before Thursday’s game acknowledging that he had been unaware of the offensive nature of the act and expressed deep regret for any harm caused. The NFL also issued a statement condemning antisemitism and reaffirming its commitment to combating hate.
These incidents have placed Nacua under intense scrutiny both on and off the field. Despite the distractions, the Rams remain focused on their playoff push in the highly competitive NFC West. The team’s narrow defeat to the Seahawks, a division rival, further intensifies the stakes as the regular season nears its conclusion.
For more on NFL officiating standards and disciplinary procedures, visit the NFL’s official site on officiating. The league’s efforts to address discrimination and promote inclusivity can be explored through the Anti-Defamation League and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. Fans and analysts continue to debate the impact of officiating on game outcomes, a topic regularly reviewed by the National Football League’s media partners.
As the Rams prepare for upcoming matchups, the spotlight remains on Nacua’s performance and conduct, with the wider NFL community watching closely to see how the league balances player expression with maintaining respect for the game’s officials and diverse fanbase.
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