Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay appeared visibly caught off guard when reporters pressed him about a since-deleted social media post from star wide receiver Puka Nacua, a moment that underlined the growing pressures that come with stardom in the modern NFL.
The aftermath of the Rams‘ gut-wrenching 38-37 loss to the Seattle Seahawks quickly shifted from missed opportunities on the field to damage control off it.
Moments after the defeat, Nacua posted on X in what appeared to be a thinly-veiled swipe at the officials, writing: “Can you say I was wrong. Appreciate you stripes for your contribution. Lol.”
The message, which was quickly deleted but widely saved as a screengrab, followed a livestream in which Nacua criticized NFL referees and accused some officials of making calls to draw attention to themselves on national television.
“The refs are the worst,” Nacua said on the stream, adding: “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 [pass interference], but I called it.'”
McVay left blindsided by Nacua comments
When asked about the post following the December 18 loss, McVay made it clear he had not seen it and was frustrated by the timing of the question. The NFL later fined Nacua $25,000 for his remarks.
“I can’t answer your questions about something that I’m not aware of,” McVay said. “I got to have more information before I answer those types of questions.”
As the exchange continued, McVay quickly changed his stance and went on the defensive.
Rather than distancing himself from his receiver, the Rams coach chose to publicly support Nacua while acknowledging the responsibilities that come with his platform.
McVay explained that Nacua is still learning how to navigate life in the spotlight, particularly amid personal stress.
He referenced the recent arrest of Nacua‘s brother on December 13 for allegedly taking a car without permission, framing the situation as one involving a young player processing multiple pressures at once.
“I love him, we’re going to continue to put our arm around him and help him learn and grow,” McVay said. “But we never want to do things that ever offend anybody, and I know he feels that same way.”
The coach emphasized that he knows Nacua‘s character, adding: “I know his heart,” before offering an apology on his behalf. “For anybody that was offended, terribly sorry about that. I know he feels that same exact way.”
Nacua performance proves a point
Despite the off-field headlines, McVay was adamant that none of the controversy has seeped into Nacua‘s performance between the lines. He made it a point to note that the receiver remained locked in throughout the game. “He went off today,” McVay said.
Nacua finished the game with two catches in the endzone and 225 receiving yards from 12 receptions, highlighting his consistent threat in the Seahawks‘ secondary.
Later that same day, Nacua issued a formal apology after making an antisemitic gesture during the livestream, clarifying that he did not understand its meaning at the time.
“When I appeared the other day on a social media livestream, it was suggested to me to perform a specific movement as part of my next touchdown celebration,” Nacua said.
“At the time, I had no idea 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.”
For McVay and the Rams, the episode reflects a familiar modern challenge of supporting young players, but guiding them away from trouble.
Publicly, McVay stood firmly behind his receiver. Privately, the frustration of having to address avoidable distractions in the wake of a painful loss was clear to see.
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