Puka Nacua said he was unaware the gesture he performed was antisemitic.
Los Angeles Rams star Puka Nacua apologized Thursday after he agreed to perform an antisemitic touchdown celebration during an appearance on a live stream.
Nacua issued a statement, saying he was unaware the celebration contained an antisemitic gesture. His full statement read:
"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. 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."
Nacua appeared Tuesday on a livestream hosted by Adin Ross. During the stream, Ross had Nacua mimic the celebration and then encouraged Nacua to perform the dance during an NFL game after he scored a touchdown. Nacua agreed, saying, "Yeah, that's easy."
The celebration involved Nacua spiking the ball, flexing and then performing a gesture that references an antisemitic caricature of Jewish person shared on social-media websites, including 4chan.
Video of Nacua performing the celebration began circulating on social media, where California Congressman Eric Swalwell demanded an apology from the Rams star on X.
Swalwell's tweet read:
"The Los Angeles Jewish community is on edge after the Bondi Beach massacre. And what does this a**hole @AsapPuka do? He promises an antisemitic touchdown dance for his Thursday night game. He should apologize or be dropped."
The stream also included Nacua ripping NFL officials, saying they call penalties so they can be shown on television.
Both incidents could draw punishment from the NFL. Nacua is almost certain to be fined for his comments about NFL officials, as that would remain consistent with how the league typically responds to those situations.
Whether Nacua will also face punishment from the league for initially agreeing to perform an antisemitic celebration during an NFL game is unclear. Neither the NFL or the Rams have commented following Nacua's gesture and subsequent apology.
Nacua is expected to play Thursday night against the Seahawks.
Category: General Sports
