Los Angeles Rams star Puka Nacua has found himself at the center of a heated backlash after creating a touchdown dance that includes an offensive Jewish stereotype.
The incident took place during a live stream with popular YouTubers Adin Ross and N3on, drawing widespread criticism online.
Live Stream Turns Contentious
The stream, held just days before the Rams’ Thursday night clash with the Seattle Seahawks, saw Nacua joking around with Ross and N3on.
While some moments were lighthearted, controversy arose when the 24-year-old receiver worked on a celebration involving spinning the ball, flexing, and rubbing his hands together—a gesture long associated with a degrading stereotype of Jewish people.
Unclear Intentions and Reactions
It remains unclear whether Nacua was aware of the antisemitic connotation of the dance.
Ross, who is Jewish, encouraged the celebration during the stream, which went viral almost immediately.
Nacua’s agent, Justin Schulman of Athletes First, declined to comment when approached by media outlets, including The Athletic and Daily Mail, and the Los Angeles Rams have not issued a statement.
Outrage From Public Figures
California Congressman Eric Swalwell publicly condemned Nacua’s actions, calling him an “a**hole” and urging swift accountability from either the player or the team.
Swalwell also pointed to the timing of the stunt, saying it was particularly insensitive following a tragic shooting at a Jewish holiday celebration in Australia.
Ross’ Controversial Platform
Although Ross is Jewish, he has faced criticism before for associating with far-right figures like Nick Fuentes and others with extremist views.
The streamer and N3on even attempted to enter the Rams facility to continue filming with Nacua on Tuesday, but were denied access by the team.
Nacua later explained on the stream that his coach was not happy with the situation due to the short week before their game.
Criticism of NFL Officials and Taylor Swift Comments
The live stream also included a fiery rant from Nacua about NFL referees, whom he described as “the worst” and suggested were motivated by personal ambitions.
Such comments could carry fines from the league for publicly criticizing officials.
On a lighter note, Nacua joked that the Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff struggles might be linked to a so-called “Taylor Swift curse,” poking fun at the NFL star’s unexpected explanations for football results.
What This Means for Nacua
While some fans found humor in the stream’s antics, many view the antisemitic dance as deeply problematic.
The backlash highlights the fine line athletes walk when interacting with online personalities and the potential consequences of off-field behavior.
The Rams and Nacua now face pressure to respond and address the controversy before the team hits the field again.
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