Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua apologized on Thursday for performing a potential touchdown celebration that included an antisemitic undertone.
“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 on social media. “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.”
Appearing on a livestream on Wednesday, internet personality Adin Ross guided Nacua through the celebration which ended with the latter looking into the camera and rubbing his hands together.
Ross asked Nacua to use the celebration if he scores a touchdown on Thursday when the Rams (11-3) visit the Seattle Seahawks (11-3) in an NFC West showdown.
“I promise. I got you, bro,” Nacua said.
Widespread condemnation on social media followed, with Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) calling on Nacua to apologize.
“The Los Angeles Jewish community is on edge after the Bondi Beach massacre,” Swalwell wrote on X, formerly Twitter. He added that Nacua “should apologize or be dropped.”
The NFL issued a statement on Thursday regarding the Nacua incident: “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.”
–Field Level Media
