Rams May Avoid Suspension for Wide Receiver Puka Nacua Amid Ongoing Allegations

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua appears unlikely to face a league suspension before the regular season begins, according to NFL analyst Tom Pelissero. Pelissero told 95.7 The Fanatic on September 2 that Nacua has not been placed on the commissioner's exempt list and that any disciplinary action would typically be announced by the roster cut-down deadline, which is about two weeks before the first game.

"I never got the sense that that was really a consideration with Puka. But the NFL, even absent criminal charges—much less a criminal conviction—can take action and suspend a player," Pelissero said.

He added that if a suspension were forthcoming, it would likely be disclosed by the end of the current week. The remarks come as Nacua deals with a psoas injury and continues a self-imposed stay at a private rehabilitation facility.

Nacua is also facing civil allegations, including an accusation that he bit a woman during a group outing and claims of antisemitic remarks made at the same event. Separate claims of mental abuse have been made by his former partner, Hallie Aino. The player previously apologized for a planned celebration dance that referenced antisemitic tropes, though the dance was never performed.

The Rams have not indicated any immediate roster moves regarding Nacua, and head coach Sean McVay has not publicly commented on the situation. Left tackle Alaric Jackson similarly avoided placement on the exempt list, suggesting a broader trend of players remaining active pending further league review.