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Following a pivotal loss on Thursday night, Rams coach Sean McVay found himself without the luxury of browsing social media before addressing the press. His star receiver, Puka Nacua, had already made headlines with his online remarks.
McVay faced a tense moment during the post-game press conference after a heartbreaking 38-37 overtime defeat against Seattle. The awkwardness stemmed from questions regarding Nacua’s now-deleted tweet, which criticized the referees.
Nacua, who had earlier in the week criticized NFL officials and apologized for performing an anti-Semitic gesture during a livestream, tweeted immediately post-game: “Can you say I was wrong. Appreciate you stripes for your contribution. Lol.”
When a reporter brought up the tweet, McVay cut in sharply, asking, “What are you talking about?”
The reporter clarified that Nacua had tweeted, prompting McVay to respond tersely once more: “So, what are you asking me right now?”
The reporter barely got a word out before McVay again cut him off, stating: “I can’t answer your questions about something that I’m not aware of.”
The reporter finally asked a full follow-up question to McVay, asking him if he had any issues with his players expressing their frustration in such a manner or if he would prefer they do it other ways.
“I got to have more information before I answer those types of questions,” McVay said.
Given the tight timing between the end of the dramatic game and the press conference, it’s not stunning that McVay was unaware of Nacua’s tweet.
No matter the reason for the confusion, though, it made for an unusual sequence in a press conference that featured other questions about Nacua’s recent behavior.
Nacua, who did all he could to carry the Rams with a 12-catch, 225-yard, two-touchdown performance, made headlines for all the wrong reasons leading into the game.
On a livestream with Adin Ross, Nacua called out the league’s officials.
“The refs are the worst. These guys are lawyers,” Nacua said. “They want to be on TV too, bro. You don’t think he’s texting his friends in the group chat like, ‘Yo, you guys just saw me on ‘Sunday Night Football.’ Like, that wasn’t (pass interference), but I called it.’”
He also participated in a dance that is deemed antisemitic and said he would do it after his next touchdown, before apologizing after realizing the offensive connotation.
“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,” Nacua said in a statement. “At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people.
“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.”
McVay said Nacua was “very apologetic” for his actions this week.
“I don’t think he understood the totality of some of the things, I think he issued the apology,” McVay said. “I know this guy’s heart, and for anybody that was offended, terribly sorry about that. I know he feels that same exact way. He’s a young guy, that’s a great kid that’s continuing to learn about just the platform that he has. I love him, we’re going to continue to put our arm around him and help him learn and grow. But we never want to do things that ever offend anybody, and I know he feels that same way.”
McVay later said that he did not find the situation to be a distraction, even asking the reporter if Nacua’s performance indicated any type of disturbance.
The third-year receiver set his career-high with his 225 receiving yards.
“I didn’t think so either,” McVay said. “He went off today.”
Nacua explained that his tweet stemmed from a “a moment of frustration after a tough, intense game like that, just thinking of the opportunities that I could have done better to take it out of their hands.”
The 24-year-old also added that he does not truly believe his comments from earlier in the week that referees make calls since they’re on television.
Nacua appreciated that his coach had his back but acknowledged that he received some tough love for causing some issues before a critical game.
“There is a time and place for some things and there are comments that I should definitely say to the guys in the locker room and to be aware of the situation that we’re in,” Nacua said of the lesson learned, “but then also just to stay and use every moment to prepare for the week.”
The Rams (11-4) no longer control their fate in the NFC West, sitting one game behind the Seahawks (12-3) and in the No. 5 spot in the NFC playoffs.
Los Angeles has already clinched a playoff spot and finishes the season with the non-contending Falcons and Cardinals, while the Seahawks face playoff contenders in the Panthers and 49ers.
