Puka Nacua Checks Into Malibu Rehab Amidst Absurd 'Biting' Lawsuit

Puka Nacua is spending part of his offseason in rehab.

According to multiple reports, Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua has checked into a luxury treatment facility in Malibu. His legal team is calling it a proactive step toward personal growth, even as Madison Atiabi’s civil lawsuit remains active despite the withdrawal of her request for a restraining order.

Nacua entered rehab as he deals with the civil lawsuit filed by Atiabi over an alleged New Year’s Eve incident in Century City. 

READ: Puka Nacua Lands In More Trouble With Biting Allegations, New Antisemitism Accusation

According to the complaint, Atiabi claims Nacua shouted antisemitic slurs and bit her on the shoulder during the party, leaving a visible circular mark and causing acute pain. His attorney, Levi McCathern, has pushed back on the allegations and described the incident as horseplay among friends.

Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

That explanation has only added to the bizarre trouble involving Nacua and his family.

Earlier this year, Nacua’s brother, Samson, was cleared in a grand theft auto investigation after driving off in a BMW belonging to a Lakers rookie. Authorities ultimately determined he had taken the wrong vehicle by mistake after confusing it with his brother’s similar SUV.

Back in December, Nacua also found himself in the middle of a separate controversy after appearing on an Adin Ross livestream and later apologizing for what was described as an antisemitic gesture. Nacua said it was a misunderstood touchdown dance.

READ: Puka Nacua Promised To Use Antisemitic Trope In TD Celebration — Backtracks After Outraged Response

All of it lands at a sensitive moment for the Rams. Nacua is coming off a monster 2025 season in which he led the NFL with 129 catches and more than 1,700 receiving yards. He is also reportedly in line for a contract extension that could be worth around $180 million.

So yes, the rehab stay is noise off the field. But for the Rams, the bigger question is whether one of their most important players can get his name out of the news and get back to being known for what he does on Sundays.

NFC Pro Bowl Coach Jerry Rice watches as Los Angeles Rams Puka Nacua takes a selfie during practice at Moscone Center South. (Photo by Jessica Christian/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

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