Los Angeles Rams star Puka Nacua checked into a rehab facility following allegations that he bit a woman and made an antisemitic comment while drunk during a New Year’s Eve gathering, his attorney, Levi McCathern, confirmed to the California Post’s Edward Lewis on Wednesday.
Nacua is staying at a luxury treatment center in Malibu, California. McCathern said the decision to seek treatment wasn’t made in response to the lawsuit that Madison Atiabi filed against the wideout on March 25.
“Puka takes responsibility for his well-being and increasing his performance during the offseason,” McCathern said in statement obtained by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “So, in early March – before any temporary restraining order was filed by Madison Atiabi and subsequently denied by the court – Puka voluntarily entered a holistic care facility to focus on his personal growth.
“He is committed to using this time constructively so that he can return in the best possible position – both personally and professionally – to continue contributing to his team and the game he loves. He will complete the program in plenty of time to be involved in all of the Rams’ OTAs.”
McCathern added, “It is unfortunate that a trivial lawsuit has drawn attention to Puka during a time when he is focused on becoming a better overall person.”
Atiabi’s civil lawsuit alleges that Nacua bit her on the shoulder, causing her “immediate and severe physical pain.”
The filing also states that Nacua consumed alcohol at a dinner in which he said, “F–k all the Jews.” Atiabi said the comment left her emotionally distressed.
McCathern denied that Nacua made the remark but admitted that his client bit Atiabi in an act of “horseplay,” per Lewis.
A hearing is scheduled for April 14, according to ESPN’s Sarah Barshop. Meanwhile, prosecutors from the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office are investigating Atiabi’s claims, Lewis reports.
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