The Rams’ star receiver told streamers Adin Ross and N3on that he believes referees make certain calls just to get screen time during NFL games.
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“The referees are the worst,” Nacua said. “They want to be on TV too, bro. You don’t think he’s texting his friends in the group chat like, ‘Hey, you guys just saw me on Sunday night football? That wasn’t PI, but I called it.'”
Here is the full video (Warning: NSFW language):
Nacua joined the stream after Rams head coach Sean McVay refused to allow the two personalities into the team’s facility days before Los Angeles’ Week 16 game against the Seattle Seahawks. The game could determine the NFC West champion and the NFC playoff spots.
It’s unclear if Nacua’s comments will warrant any action by the league. Players have been fined for criticizing referees in the past. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid incurred hefty fines in 2023 for public comments about officiating, as did then-Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson. Houston Texans running back Will Anderson Jr. and running back Joe Mixon had their fines rescinded in 2025 after they publicly criticized the referees.
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The five people mentioned above made those comments immediately after games during media events, not during off-field appearances. So in theory, Nacua’s situation is a little different.
This is also the second incident related to the creek in Nacua. He was broadcast live inside the Rams locker room after the team’s Week 14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, despite his teammates asking him to stop.
With a critical stretch for the Rams in 2025, the team cannot afford to have unnecessary distractions from its best players.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Puka Nacua Makes Bold Statement About NFL Referees, Calling Them ‘The Worst’