Puka Nacua Apologizes for Saying He'd Perform Offensive Gesture as TD Celebration

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua apologized for saying during a livestream that he would perform an offensive gesture as a touchdown celebration.

Nacua wrote in a statement shared on his Instagram that he "had no idea that this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people."

"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," he added.

"The NFL strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and derogatory behavior directed towards any group or individual," the league said in a statement. "The continuing rise of antisemitism must be addressed across the world, and the NFL will continue to stand with our partners in this fight. Hatred has no place in our sport or society."

The Rams said in a statement that there "is no place in this world for Antisemitism as well as other forms of prejudice or hostility towards the Jewish people and people of any religion, ethnicity or race."

Nacua also made controversial statements about NFL officials during the livestream, claiming that they make calls just to be on television.

"The refs are the worst," Nacua said, per ESPN's Sarah Barshop. "… Some of the rules aren't … These guys want to be … these guys are lawyers. They want to be on TV too. 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.'"

When asked if he really believes that, Nacua doubled down, saying, "I mean, these guys are normal human beings too, bro."

Nacua has been one of the best receivers in the NFL this season. He ranks second in the league with 1,367 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 102 catches.

The Rams will be in action on Thursday Night Football against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. Both teams have 11-3 records, so this game could go a long way toward determining the NFC West champion.