The NFL fined Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua $25,000 for recent comments criticizing officiating, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported Friday, per a source.
Nacua said this week on a livestream with internet personalities Adin Ross and Mikyle Rafiq, also known as N3on, that NFL officials are "the worst."
"Some of the rules aren't ... These guys want to be ... these guys are lawyers. They want to be on TV too," Nacua said. "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.'"
After Thursday night's loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the Rams WR doubled down in a since-deleted social media post.
"Can you say i was wrong," Nacua posted. "Appreciate you stripes for your contribution. Lol."
After Nacua deleted the post, he told reporters he made the latter comments in a "moment of frustration."
"Just a moment of frustration after a tough, intense game like that," he said, "just thinking of the opportunities that I could've done better to take it out of their hands."
Nacua was also asked if he believed what he said on the livestream regarding officials making calls to be shown on TV.
"No, I don't," he said. "It was just a lack of awareness and just some frustration. I know there are moments where I feel like, man, you watch other games and you think of the calls that some guys get, and you wish you could get some of those. But that's just how football is played. I'll do my job in order to work my technique to make sure there's not an issue with a call."
The fine comes a day after Nacua apologized for making an antisemitic gesture during the same livestream.
"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," Nacua said earlier Thursday in an Instagram post. "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's behavior drew condemnation from the NFL, which issued a statement condemning "all forms of discrimination and derogatory behavior directed towards any group or individual," and the political realm. U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, who is running for California governor, said Wednesday, that Nacua "should apologize or be dropped."
The Rams receiver had a career night on Thursday, catching 12 passes for a career-high 225 yards and two touchdowns in the 38-37 overtime loss.
The 24-year-old is eligible for a contract extension following the 2025 season. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported last Sunday that extending Nacua and making him one of the NFL's highest-paid WRs is a "big-time priority" for the Rams.
