Even before a lawsuit was filed against the Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, his attorney, Levi McCathern, alleged that the WR had long gone into rehab. According to McCathern, it was done in an attempt “to improve his overall behavior in every aspect of his life.” However, the WR’s attempts were tested according to a recent report by TMZ Sports.

According to documents obtained by TMZ, three separate process servers visited Nacua’s holistic care facility in Malibu earlier this month. The first arrived around 2:50 PM on April 6. But an administrator declined to confirm whether Nacua was present, citing HIPAA restrictions.

The following day, around noon, another server attempted service. However, they were told by a staff member that documents could not be served at the facility. On a third attempt, after speaking with a nurse identified as Jane Doe, a substitute service was ultimately completed on Nacua’s behalf.

These developments came days after a woman identified as Madison Atiabi filed a lawsuit in late March. She reportedly accused Nacua of gender violence, a–ault and battery, and negligence.

The accuser claimed that she had “suffered actual damages, including physical injury, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and severe emotional distress,” during the New Year’s Eve with Nacua. As TMZ reported, the woman stated that Nacua drunkenly bit her and said an anti-Semitic comment earlier in the night.

Nacua has disputed the claims, stating that the biting incident was meant to be playful, and has indicated that he intends to respond with legal action. His attorney also clarified that Nacua had entered rehab before the lawsuit was filed in a statement to the California Post:

“He was in (rehab) a substantial period of time before any of these allegations broke… and he’s scheduled to be there for a longer while.”

Considering Nacua’s stay in rehab, the court has also dismissed the restraining order sought by his accuser. As per an exclusive report from the California Post:

“The restraining order request that was filed against Puka Nacua by the woman who accused the Rams star of biting her earlier this year was formally dismissed on Tuesday morning.”

The situation comes at a critical point in Nacua’s career. The receiver is approaching his first major contract negotiations following a breakout season, as the team kicked off the first phase of their offseason program this week, joined by the WR.

What does Sean McVay have to say about Puka Nacua?

Puka Nacua entered the offseason after finishing the 2025 season on a high note. In 16 appearances, he recorded 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns, all career highs. The offseason, however, has taken a different turn.

Instead of focusing solely on a potential contract extension, Nacua has been dealing with off-field controversy. During pre-draft media availability, head coach Sean McVay addressed his receiver’s situation. He noted that Nacua is doing well and will be a full participant in the offseason program.

“He’s be a full participant. It’s great to be able to see him. He looks great. He’s doing really well,” McVay said.

When asked about any conversations with Nacua regarding the situation, McVay chose not to go into details. Instead, he emphasized the nature of their relationship.

“I’ll keep those between us,” McVay added, “but he and I have a great relationship. I feel really good about the direction that we’re going.”

The Rams had a strong season but fell short in the NFC Championship against the Seattle Seahawks. As the Rams gear up for another Super Bowl push, the front office faces the challenge of balancing Nacua’s critical role on the field with the mounting distractions off of it.