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NFL star Puka Nacua is apologizing for practicing an antisemitic dance touchdown on a livestream earlier this week.
“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,” the Rams star explained on Instagram Thursday. “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.”
The NFL also issued a statement assailing the “continuing rise” of antisemitism around the world.
“The NFL strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and derogatory behavior directed towards any group or individual,” the league said in a statement. “The continuing rise of antisemitism must be addressed across the world, and the NFL will continue to stand with our partners in this fight. Hatred has no place in our sport or society.”
Nacua found himself in immediate hot water after appearing on a livestream with Adin Ross and N3on. During his appearance, they guided Nacua through a TD dance in which he spins a ball, flexes, then rubs his hands together while grinning into the camera. The clueless Nacua even promised Ross to perform the “Covetous Jew” dance when he scored a touchdown. Ross was born to Jewish parents and identifies as Jewish.
On Thursday, California Congressman Eric Swalwell blasted Nacua, demanding a public apology.
“The Los Angeles Jewish community is on edge after the Bondi Beach massacre. And what does this a**hole @AsapPuka do? He promises an antisemitic touchdown dance for his Thursday night game,” he wrote on X/Twitter. “He should apologize or be dropped.”
Neither the NFL nor the Rams have announced any punishment against the 24-year-old wide receiver, so it’s assumed he’s playing in Thursday night’s showdown between the 11-3 Rams and 11-3 Seahawks. Nacua could also face fines from the league for claiming to Ross that some referees throw flags to get their faces on TV.
It remains to be seen whether Amazon Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football pregame show will address the controversy. Or if the game crew of Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit, and Kaylee Hartung will cover it during the game.
Around the league, NFL observers could only shake their heads at Nacua’s fool-hardy actions. “Puka Nacua… What in actual hell,” asked Trey Wingo on Twitter.
The Puka controversy comes in the wake of the Bondi Beach massacre in which a father-son team of terrorists murdered 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia, including a 10-year-old girl.
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