Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is drawing backlash for a gesture he made during a live stream with streamer Adin Ross. The backlash was initially limited to social media users who found his gesture problematic.
Now, Congressman Eric Swalwell has voiced his opinion on it, adding a strong political twist to the unfortunate situation. Swalwell recently took to X to demand an apology from Nacua or for him to be dropped.
It all started when Nacua went to a live stream with Ross and N3on. Ross, who is Jewish, suggested a celebratory move to the wide receiver. Ross asked him to do the same after he scored a touchdown next time.
The gesture included rubbing his hands together in a pose that is often used in antisemitic rhetoric. In the video, Ross can be seen teaching Nacua how to do the complete celebration move after his next touchdown.
When the video went viral and was widely reported and criticized, Swalwell addressed it, demanding an apology from the Rams star.
“The Los Angeles Jewish community is on edge after the Bondi Beach massacre. And what does this a**hole @AsapPuka do? He promises an antisemitic touchdown dance for his Thursday night game. He should apologize or be dropped,”
Congressman Eric Swalwell calls for Puka Nacua to be dropped or to apologize for his “Jewish dance” which Adin Ross, who is Jewish, taught him to celebrate whenever he scores a touchdown
“He promises an antisemitic touchdown dance for thursday night game. He should apologize or… pic.twitter.com/XERkt497xj
— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) December 18, 2025
The Rams are going to play Seattle in a few hours, which has further escalated the conversation around the viral video. Nacua quickly issued an apology via Instagram after the backlash.
“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. At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people,” he said in his statement.
“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.”
A statement from #Rams WR Puka Nacua about his recent, controversial comments on a livestream with Adin Ross. pic.twitter.com/awWGVmZgEO
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 18, 2025
While his statement has done very little to calm the situation, the NFL recently released a statement strongly condemning the derogatory behavior.
The NFL’s Statement About Puka Nacua
The NFL has been vocal about the strict stance it takes against any form of discrimination and derogatory behavior. When Nacua went viral for practicing a dance move in the form of a celebration that supported antisemitic tropes, the league issued a statement.
The league stated that it strongly condemns any such act that is directed toward any group or individual.
“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 NFL has released a statement about #Rams WR Puka Nacua, who appeared on a controversial livestream with Adin Ross and, among other things, practiced a dance that supported antisemitic tropes. Nacua has since apologized.
“The NFL strongly condemns all forms of discrimination…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 18, 2025
It will be interesting to see what impact this drama has on the upcoming game against the Seahawks.
Read More:
NFL Star Patrick Mahomes’ Wife Brittany Shows Off Chic All-White Outfit in “Funday Sunday” Post
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
