Exclusive: Puka Nacua Enters Rehab After New Year’s Eve Incident
Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua has entered a luxury treatment facility in Malibu, his attorney confirmed to Filmogaz.com. The move follows several high-profile incidents this offseason and ongoing legal action stemming from a New Year’s Eve outing.
Rehab stay confirmed
Attorney Levi McCathern told Filmogaz.com that Nacua has been at the Malibu center for a substantial period. McCathern said the stay began before the recent allegations surfaced. He added the receiver is scheduled to remain in treatment for some time.
McCathern described Nacua’s goal as improving his overall behavior. He praised his client’s decision to seek help during the offseason. He also said Nacua is in good spirits.
Photos and center details
Photographs obtained by Filmogaz.com show Nacua entering and leaving the facility on two occasions in March. He wore casual clothing, including oversized shirts and gym shorts. He appeared upbeat and briefly greeted a visitor outside the center.
The Malibu facility markets specialized programs. It treats issues such as drug and alcohol addiction, chronic pain, and mental health conditions. McCathern said the treatment will address multiple aspects of Nacua’s life.
Legal allegations
Madison Atiabi filed a petition for a restraining order on March 24. She alleged that Nacua bit her during a Dec. 31 outing in Los Angeles. Atiabi claimed the bite broke her skin and left visible marks on her shoulder.
She also filed a civil lawsuit against Nacua on March 25. Her attorney, Joseph Kar, later said they withdrew the restraining order request. Kar said they wanted to concentrate resources on the lawsuit.
Details in the filing
In her court filing, Atiabi said Nacua consumed alcohol during a dinner with friends. She alleged he made her uncomfortable that evening. The filing also says she heard an antisemitic remark at the meal.
Responses and investigation
McCathern disputed the claim about antisemitic remarks. He acknowledged that Nacua bit Atiabi, but described the incident as mutual horseplay. He has called the allegations an attempt to inflate the episode for financial gain.
The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office confirmed prosecutors are reviewing the allegations. No charges have been announced publicly.
Offseason incidents
Nacua drew attention earlier in the offseason during Super Bowl week in San Francisco. Video showed him stumbling and dancing in a street after attending a party. Those images, and the March allegations, increased public scrutiny.
Outlook
McCathern said Nacua is committed to getting better. He predicted the wide receiver will return in stronger form next season. Nacua is a two-time Pro Bowler and remains under public and legal scrutiny during his treatment.
Filmogaz.com first covered this development as Exclusive: Puka Nacua Enters Rehab After New Year’s Eve Incident. The outlet will monitor legal updates and treatment reports as they become available.