NFL star Nacua enters rehab: US reports

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has checked himself into rehab, his attorney told US media Wednesday.

The Rams star "voluntarily entered a holistic care facility to focus on his personal growth," lawyer Levi McCathern told NFL Network.

Nacua topped the entire league with 129 receptions last season, adding a total of 1,715 yards, as the Rams reached the NFC Championship game before losing to eventual Super Bowl winners Seattle.

But he has been beset by recent off-field controversy. 

In December, Nacua apologized after making an antisemitic gesture during a livestream appearance.

Nacua was encouraged to perform the gesture -- rubbing his hands together -- as a potential new touchdown celebration while appearing with internet streamers Adin Ross and N3on.

The 24-year-old said he had not been aware that his gesture -- a common stereotype that depicts Jewish people as greedy -- was antisemitic.

Last month, a Jewish woman filed a lawsuit against Nacua alleging that he made an antisemitic statement and later bit her during a night out in Los Angeles on New Year's Eve.

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His lawyer said Nacua denies the allegation of antisemitism, calling it a "blatant lie," and describing the bite as "horseplay."

Nacua's decision to enter rehab was prior to and unrelated to the lawsuit, said the attorney.

McCathern did not state the precise reason for Nacua entering rehab, but the center in question helps patients with issues including drug and alcohol addiction, chronic pain and mental health conditions, the California Post reported.

Neither McCathern nor the Rams immediately responded to AFP request for comment.

"Puka takes responsibility for his well-being and increasing his performance during the off-season," said a statement sent by McCathern to NFL Network.

"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," it said.

The statement 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."

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