The NFL did not waste any time in dropping the hammer on Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, following his repeated criticism of the league’s officiating. He did itbefore and after facing the Seattle Seahawks on “Thursday Night Football.”
Nacua spoke about his comments postgame, as did Rams head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The league typically doles out player fines for the week on the following Saturday. Not this time.
Puka Nacua Docked After Rams Game
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
“The NFL has fined #Rams WR Puka Nacua $25,000 for his comments about officiating, source says,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on X on December 19. “Nacua had compared officials to lawyers and said they make calls to be on TV.”
Nacua agreed “100%” with the premise of Ross’ question of whether the in-game officials are “b***********.”
The Rams star added that “the refs are the worst.”
“These guys are lawyers, and they want to be on TV, too, bro,” Nacua said during a portion of the stream with Ross on December 16. “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 PI, but I called it.’
Notably, Ross offered to pay any fines Nacua said he “100%” could incur for such comments.
Puka Nacua Doubled Down on Officiating
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a first down against the Baltimore Ravens.
After the game, Nacua doubled down on his criticisms. He took to social media in a post that he has since deleted.
“Can you say i was wrong,” Nacua asked in the post in the immediate aftermath of the Rams’ loss to the Seahawks on December 18 before quickly taking it down. “Appreciate you stripes for your contribution.”
Nacua downplayed his comments afterward, but still expressed frustration with some calls.
“No, I don’t [really believe what he said]. It’s just a lack of awareness,” Nacua told reporters postgame. “Just in some frustration.
“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, and I’ll do my job in order to work my technique to make sure that there’s not an issue with the call.”
Sean McVay Spoke With Puka Nacua About Referee Comments
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on against the Seattle Seahawks.
Nacua said that McVay spoke with him about the comments. He said that his coach “echoed that he’s always in continuous support of me.
“[McVay was] disappointed in some of the actions, just distracting my teammates,” Nacua said. “Some I know I’ll learn from, and some I don’t want to be a distraction in any week, and especially in a short week. So I–we had talked about that, and he’s right there behind me.”
Nacua expressed his passion for football and efforts to prepare, but denied being a distraction.
McVay also downplayed the idea that Nacua was a distraction or distracted, pointing to his 12 receptions, 225 yards, and 2 receiving touchdowns as proof. He was disappointed, though.
“There is a time and place for some things. And there are comments that I should definitely say to the guys in the locker room, and be aware of the situation that we’re in,” Nacua said of what he learned, later expressing a desire to show that to the franchise as a whole.
“Then also, just to stay [focused] and use every moment to prepare for the week.”
Stafford notably said that he was unaware of Nacua’s comments. The Rams QB had to lean on Nacua, with Davante Adams sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
NFL Takes Swift Disciplinary Action Against Rams WR Puka Nacua