Puka Nacua Criticizes NFL Referees Following Heartbreaking Loss to Seahawks

Two days after labeling NFL referees as "the worst," Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua intensified his criticism following a dramatic 38-37 overtime defeat to the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football.

A Controversial Game

Nacua took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his frustrations, indicating he wasn’t satisfied with the officiating. In a now-deleted post, he quipped, “Can you say I was wrong? Appreciate you stripes for your contribution. Lol.” This seemingly pointed remark came on the heels of a game that featured several controversial officiating decisions.

Key Moments that Sparked Outrage

Several calls during the game drew the ire of Rams fans and players alike. Here are some of the pivotal moments:

• Seattle’s Two-Point Conversion: In the fourth quarter, a crucial play occurred when Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold attempted a bubble screen pass that was ruled a backward pass upon review. Seattle gained two points when running back Zach Charbonnet recovered the loose ball in the end zone, tying the game at 30-30.

• Disallowed Touchdown for Rams: Earlier in the game, a potential touchdown by the Rams was nullified due to an ineligible man downfield penalty. Prime Video rules expert Terry McAulay critiqued this call, stating it “really isn’t a foul.”

These decisions inevitably left Rams head coach Sean McVay seeking clarity during the postgame conference, to which he expressed concerns regarding the officiating.

Nacua’s Earlier Comments

Puka Nacua had previously voiced his frustrations regarding referees on a live stream with popular internet personality Adin Ross. When asked if he thought the referees were sometimes "bulls–tting," he did not hold back, saying:

“The refs are the worst. These guys are lawyers. They want to be on TV too, bro. You don’t think he’s texting his friends in the group chat like, ‘Yo, you guys just saw me on ‘Sunday Night Football.’”

The Impact of the Loss

This loss dropped the Rams to an 11-4 record, placing them second in the NFC West, just behind the 12-3 Seahawks, who secured a playoff spot with this victory. The Rams now face uphill challenges as they strive for postseason contention.

Summary

Puka Nacua’s outspoken criticism of the officiating highlights the intense scrutiny referees face in the NFL, especially during high-stakes matchups. With the Rams now in a critical position for the playoffs, how the team navigates their next games will be vital.

For more coverage on NFL news and updates, check out official resources like NFL.com or the Los Angeles Rams website.