Nacua sorry for antisemitic gesture on livestream

Puka Nacua, the wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, has apologized for making an antisemitic gesture while on-stream.

Adin Ross and Mikyle Rafi, two internet stars, encouraged Nacua, 24, to perform the move as a potential new touchdown celebration.

It was suggested to me to perform a particular movement as part of my upcoming touchdown celebration when I appeared the day before on a live social media channel,” Nacua wrote in a statement on Instagram.

“At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jews,” he said.

I sincerely apologize to anyone who found my actions offensive because I don’t support racism, bigotry, or the hatred of other people.

Ross, who is Jewish, suggested that Nacua use a touchdown celebration where he rubs his hands together, a move that serves as an antisemitic trope that depicts Jews as greedy on the livestream.

Then, when asked by Ross if he would perform the celebration in a game, Nacua repeated the scene and said, “I promise, I got you, man.”

The NFL “strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and derogatory behavior toward any group or individual,” the statement read.

The worldwide problem of antisemitism must be addressed, it added. In this conflict, the NFL will continue to support our partners. Hatred is not relevant in our society or sport.

In a post on social media, California’s representative for the US House of Representatives said Nacua should apologize or be fired.

In the live stream, Nacua, who is currently in his third season with the Rams, also criticized referees.

NFL players who publicly criticize officials face fines.