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Puka Nacua livestream controversy: Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit addresses situation on TNF broadcast

Meby: Nick Geddes12/19/25NickGeddesNews

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua issued an apology Thursday for performing an antisemitic gesture on an internet livestream. Nacua made the gesture on a Tuesday livestream with internet personalities Adin Ross and N3on.

The two streamers suggested Nacua perform the gesture as part of his next touchdown celebration. Nacua said in his statement that “at the time he had no idea” of the nature of the gesture.

The Rams played the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football, a game to decide first place in the NFC West. The Prime Video broadcast team of Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit addressed the Nacua situation during the third quarter.

“Puka Nacua made a couple of headlines,” Michaels said. “He apologized. He said some stuff he shouldn’t have on a livestream, and you thought this could be a distraction — not at all for the Rams. The Rams basically said, ‘Hey, look, he got caught, didn’t know what he was saying and it is more about a case of naivete.'”

Herbstreit then chimed in. He called it a potential “learning opportunity” for the 24-year-old Nacua.

“Maybe just being young and as you said, naive to a situation. Hanging out with some guys maybe he shouldn’t be talking about some certain things,” Herbstreit said. “Hopefully it’ll be a learning opportunity for him. He’s a great guy. I’ve followed him since BYU. Every step he’s taken as a Ram has been first class. Hopefully he learns from this mistake.”

Puka Nacua issues statement on livestream gesture

Both the Rams and the NFL released statements on the situation.

“The NFL strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and derogatory behavior directed towards any group or individual,” the league’s statement read. “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, the third-year pro, entered Thursday’s game as the league’s second-leading receiver with 102 receptions for 1,367 yards and six touchdowns. At the time of writing, Nacua has hauled in eight passes for 141 yards and a score.