Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua called NFL officials 'the worst' during a recent livestream with Adin Ross and N3on. He suggested referees make calls to appear on television, comparing them to lawyers seeking attention. The comments could lead to a fine from the league.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua expressed frustration with NFL officiating during a livestream hosted by internet streamer Adin Ross on Kick, alongside N3on. In the conversation, Nacua stated, 'The refs are the worst, [because] just some of the rules aren't ... These guys are lawyers; they want to be on TV too, bruh.' He elaborated on referees' motivations, saying, 'You don't think he's texting his friends in the group chat like, 'Yo! You guys just saw me 'Sunday Night Football.'' Like, 'That wasn't [pass interference] but I called it.' These guys are normal human beings too, bruh.'
Nacua acknowledged the potential repercussions, agreeing with a host that he could face a fine, responding, 'A hundred percent.' The NFL has a track record of penalizing criticism of officials. In 2023, the league fined Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid $100,000 and quarterback Patrick Mahomes $50,000 following their comments after a loss to the Buffalo Bills. More recently, Houston Texans players Will Anderson Jr. and Joe Mixon were each fined $25,000 for criticizing officiating in a playoff loss to the Chiefs, though both successfully appealed the penalties.
Adin Ross, who has over seven million subscribers on Twitch and nearly two million on Kick, hosted the stream where Nacua made his lighthearted but pointed remarks. The NFL's sensitivity to such criticism underscores ongoing debates about transparency in officiating, as the league has fined players for similar outbursts in the past. Nacua's comments highlight broader frustrations among players regarding inconsistent calls.
