Rams receiver Puka Nacua’s attorney challenges bite-mark photo as legal case continues

As the Los Angeles Rams prepare to open training camp, All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua remains at the center of an unresolved legal matter that continues to draw attention. The latest development came this week when Nacua’s attorney publicly questioned the authenticity of a color photograph that the plaintiff in a civil lawsuit claims shows bite marks left on her shoulder during a New Year’s Eve incident.

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles in March, seeks monetary damages and includes claims of gender violence, assault and battery, and negligence.

Defense questions evidence

Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, has acknowledged that a bite occurred while Nacua and the plaintiff were among a group celebrating in a sprinter van on New Year’s Eve. However, he maintains the incident resulted from what he described as “horseplay.”

McCathern also questioned why the plaintiff’s attorney released the color photograph to media outlets before the discovery process had begun, suggesting the timing was intended to generate publicity just before the Rams reported to training camp.

He further argued that the marks shown in the photograph could be challenged by a forensic dental expert.

“The marks look more like her back pressed against his face than an actual bite,” McCathern said, referencing video footage previously published by TMZ.

Plaintiff maintains allegations

The plaintiff’s attorney, Joseph M. Kar, disputes that characterization, alleging Nacua violently bit his client and held the bite for several seconds, causing both physical and emotional pain.

Kar also dismissed suggestions that the release of the color photograph was significant, maintaining that the evidence supports his client’s allegations.

The civil case remains in its early stages, and the allegations have not been proven in court.

Contract and future affected

The legal matter has come at a critical point in Nacua’s career.

The Rams have reportedly paused negotiations on what could have been a lucrative contract extension while the matter remains unresolved. Instead, Nacua is set to play the 2026 season under the final year of his rookie contract, which is reportedly worth approximately $5.8 million.

The 25-year-old is coming off another outstanding season after leading all NFL receivers with 129 receptions in 2025.

Separately, the Los Angeles city attorney’s office has indicated the matter is currently on track to be resolved through a pre-filing diversion program, which allows eligible defendants to avoid criminal prosecution if certain conditions are met. If successfully completed, any potential criminal charges would be dismissed.

Earlier this year, Nacua also entered an inpatient rehabilitation facility focused on mental health, wellness and behavioral issues. Rams head coach Sean McVay later expressed confidence in the receiver while emphasizing the importance of personal growth and representing the organization both on and off the field.

With training camp now underway, Nacua’s future on the field remains bright, but the legal proceedings surrounding the civil lawsuit continue to unfold.