Puka Nacua’s mentor reveals how Rams star made rehab decision after New Year’s drama

When Puka Nacua decided to go to rehab, former NFL wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh delivered a poignant message to the embattled Rams star, who has been accused of biting a woman while drunk on New Year’s Eve.

“When he told me this, I was like, ‘Good, it’s about time. Just make sure when you’re in there, you’re making the most of it. Don’t just be in there to be in there, make sure you’re a better Puka when you come out,'” Houshmandzadeh said on his “Speakeasy” show Wednesday, the same day The California Post exclusively reported Nacua had checked into a Malibu treatment center.

It’s been a roller-coaster of an offseason for Nacua, whose off-field activities have continued to dominate the news cycle since he concluded his third season with the Rams.

Last month, a woman sought a restraining order against Nacua, whom she accused of biting her and stating, “F–k all the Jews,” during a Dec. 31, 2025 outing in Los Angeles.

The woman, Madison Atiabi, took further legal action against Nacua in late March when she filed a lawsuit accusing the 24-year-old wideout of gender violence, assault and battery and negligence.

Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, told The California Post that while the decision to enter treatment was not a direct response to the lawsuit, “The combination of stories y’all have run is certainly a contributing factor.”