NFL Star Puka Nacua has apologised after making an antisemitic hand gesture during a livestream with two internet personalities.
The Los Angeles Rams wide receiver, 24, was prompted to adopt the movement as a potential touchdown celebration during the broadcast by content creators Adin Ross and Mikyle Rafi.
Ross, who is Jewish, suggested Nacua rub his hands together, a gesture historically employed as an antisemitic trope depicting Jewish people as greedy.
In an Instagram statement, Nacua maintained he was unaware of the act's antisemitic nature.
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He wrote: "I deeply apologise 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."
The NFL responded with a forceful statement declaring it "strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and derogatory behaviour directed towards any group or individual".
The league added: "The continuing rise of antisemitism must be addressed across the world.
"The NFL will continue to stand with our partners in this fight. Hatred has no place in our sport or society."
NFL Star Puka Nacua has apologised after making an antisemitic hand gesture
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California congressman Eric Swalwell also weighed in, posting on social media that the Rams player should "apologise or be dropped" from the team.
During the livestream, Nacua had performed the gesture multiple times and promised Ross he would use it in a game.
Nacua took to the field on Thursday evening against the Seattle Seahawks, where he recorded a career-best 225 receiving yards in a closely contested match.
Despite scoring two touchdowns during the game, the wide receiver refrained from performing the controversial celebration he had promised to use.
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California congressman Eric Swalwell also weighed in
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The Rams ultimately fell to a 38-37 defeat in overtime.
Nacua has established himself as one of the NFL's standout receivers since joining the league as a fifth-round draft pick in 2023.
The player also drew attention during the livestream for criticising match officials, conduct that typically results in fines for NFL players.
Rams head coach Sean McVay offered his backing to the young receiver following the match.
Rams head coach Sean McVay offered his backing to the young receiver following the match
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He said: "I know this guy's heart. He's a young guy that's a great kid that's continuing to learn about the platform that he has.
"We're going to continue to put our arm around him and help him learn and grow."
Speaking to journalists after the game, Nacua acknowledged he had discussed the matter with his coach.
He expressed regret over the incident, claiming he was "disappointed in some of the actions that are just distracting my teammates" and confirming it was "something I know I'll learn from".
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