need to know
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Rams head coach Sean McVay appeared flustered when reporters asked him about a since-deleted tweet from receiver Puka Nakua
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McVay says Nakua still understands the scope of his “platform” in the NFL and is a “great kid”
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Nacua apologized on Dec. 18 for an offensive dance move he considered performing after a touchdown
Sean McVay seemed blindsided when reporters asked him about a social media post his star receiver Puka Nakua posted after the Rams’ loss to the Seahawks.
After the 38-37 loss, McVay, 39, was asked about Nacua, 24,’s deleted post (which was screenshotted and re-uploaded by multiple accounts), which reportedly read: “Can you tell me I’m wrong? Thanks for your contribution. Haha.”
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The post on X comes just after Nacua lashed out at NFL referees on air and accused some of them of making calls during games just to get on TV.
“The referees are the worst,” he said on the air, adding, “These guys are lawyers. They want to be on TV too. You wouldn’t think he’d be texting his friends in a group chat like, ‘Yo, you guys just saw me on TV.'” sunday night football. That’s not [pass interference]but I call it. “
Eric Thayer/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Punacua December 14, 2025
On Thursday, December 18, after the Rams lost, reporters asked McVay about posts on X about referees’ “contributions” to the game.
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McVeigh asked reporters “what they were talking about” and appeared frustrated. “I can’t answer your questions about things I don’t know,” McVeigh said.
“I have to know more before I can answer questions like that,” McVay said, before going on to defend his star receiver.
McVeigh said Nakua, whose brother was arrested Dec. 13 on suspicion of driving without a permit, still understands his responsibilities in the public eye and is a “great kid who is continuing to learn about the platform he has.”
“I love him and we’re going to continue to embrace him and help him learn and grow,” the Rams head coach continued. “But we never want to do anything to offend anyone, and I know he feels the same way.”
Michael Owens/Getty
Puka Nacua on December 10, 2023 in Baltimore, MD.
McVeigh said he knew Nakua’s “heart,” adding, “I’m deeply sorry to anyone who was offended. I know he feels the same way.”
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Before concluding his response to Nakua, McVay pointed out to reporters that his receivers didn’t appear to be “distracted” on the field despite the recent headlines for his off-the-field behavior and praised his performance.
“He left today,” McVay said.
Also on December 18, Nacua issued an apology after making an anti-Semitic gesture during a live broadcast.
“When I appeared on a social media livestream the other day, someone suggested that I perform a specific move as part of my next touchdown celebration,” he said in his apology. “At the time, I was unaware that this action was inherently anti-Semitic and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jews. I deeply apologize to anyone offended by my actions as I do not support any form of racism, bigotry or hatred towards other groups.”
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Read the original article on People
