NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
For the second time in his NFL career, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is dealing with the reality of a fine imposed by the league. NFL Network reported that the third-year receiver was fined $25,000 after criticizing officials during a viral livestream and in a social media post.
On Friday, the 24-year-old addressed the costly discipline, acknowledging that it was difficult. “That one definitely hurt,” Nacua told reporters in his first public comments since receiving the fine.
He added that the fine served as a lesson to him.
“I think it was something I expected,” he said. “It was a learning moment and an experience to learn from and never let it happen again.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams reacts during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Ronald Martínez/Getty Images)
“There will be moments of frustration later in my career, whether it's ups and downs on my personal half or the team's half, to be able to manage those emotions and send that energy in the right direction.”
Nacua initially drew attention when he claimed during a live appearance with internet personalities Adin Ross and N3on that “referees are the worst.”
NFL MAINTAINS SUSPENSION FOR STEELERS STAR DK METCALF
He also sparked controversy during the live broadcast when he appeared to make a gesture that plays into anti-Semitic tropes. He later apologized.
“I had no idea that this act was anti-Semitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against the Jewish people,” the recipient said in an Instagram post. “I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions, as I do not advocate any form of racism, intolerance or hatred towards another group of people.”
Puka Nacua (12) of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a sack during the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 18, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
After catching 12 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns in a Dec. 18 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Nacua once again expressed frustration with the way NFL referees handled the game.
“Can you say I was wrong? I appreciate your contribution. Hahaha,” he wrote on X.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) runs with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Seattle, Washington. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Rams coach Sean McVay dismissed the idea that the off-field chatter surrounding Nacua was a distraction ahead of last week's clash with the team's NFC West division rival.
“It wasn't a distraction at all,” McVay said. “Did you think his play showed he was distracted? I don't think so either. He's gone today.”
Combine FOX One and FOX Nation to stream the entire FOX Nation library, plus live FOX news, sports and entertainment at our lowest price of the year. Offer ends January 4, 2026. (Fox One; Fox Nation)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Nacua said he was more than happy to get through this tumultuous series of events.
“One hundred percent,” Nacua said. “Christmas. I'm glad something so big was happening, something that would bring everything back to the previous week. It's been nice to enjoy, celebrate, rejoice and then prepare for what awaits us.”
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage in Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
