Sean McVay blindsided by Puka Nacua postgame tweet…
In the aftermath of a probably season-changing loss Thursday evening, Sean McVay didn’t have time to scroll social media and see his star receiver popped off before the coach spoke to the media.
The Rams’ coach had a tense and awkward exchange after the crushing 38-37 extra time loss to Seattle after being requested about a since-deleted postgame tweet ripping the refs by star receiver Puka Nacua.
Nacua, who criticized NFL referees earlier this week and apologized Thursday afternoon for doing an anti-semitic dance on a livestream, posted proper after the sport: “Can you say I was wrong. Appreciate you stripes for your contribution. Lol.”
When a reporter requested about the tweet, McVay sternly interjected: “What are you talking about?”
The particular person explained that Nacua had tweeted, and McVay again provided another curt response: “So, what are you asking me right now?”
The reporter barely bought a phrase out before McVay again cut him off, stating: “I can’t answer your questions about something that I’m not aware of.”
The reporter finally requested a full follow-up query to McVay, asking him if he had any points with his gamers expressing their frustration in such a method or if he would like they do it other methods.
“I got to have more information before I answer those types of questions,” McVay said.
Given the tight timing between the end of the dramatic recreation and the press convention, it’s not beautiful that McVay was unaware of Nacua’s tweet.
No matter the explanation for the confusion, though, it made for an uncommon sequence in a press convention that featured other questions about Nacua’s latest conduct.
Puka Nacua had an unimaginable recreation Thursday evening. AP
Nacua, who did all he may to carry the Rams with a 12-catch, 225-yard, two-touchdown efficiency, made headlines for all the incorrect causes main into the sport.
On a livestream with Adin Ross, Nacua called out the league’s officers.
“The refs are the worst. These guys are lawyers,” Nacua said. “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.’ Like, that wasn’t (pass interference), but I called it.’”
He also participated in a dance that is deemed antisemitic and said he would do it after his next landing, before apologizing after realizing the offensive connotation.
“When I appeared the other day on a social media livestream, it was suggested to me to perform a specific movement as part of my next touchdown celebration,” Nacua said in a assertion. “At the time, I had no concept this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated dangerous stereotypes against Jewish people.
“I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people.”
McVay said Nacua was “very apologetic” for his actions this week.
“I don’t think he understood the totality of some of the things, I think he issued the apology,” McVay said. “I know this guy’s heart, and for anybody that was offended, terribly sorry about that. I know he feels that same exact way. He’s a young guy, that’s a great kid that’s continuing to learn about just the platform that he has. I love him, we’re going to continue to put our arm around him and help him learn and grow. But we never want to do things that ever offend anybody, and I know he feels that same way.”
Sean McVay reacts during Thursday’s loss. AP
McVay later said that he didn’t discover the state of affairs to be a distraction, even asking the reporter if Nacua’s efficiency indicated any kind of disturbance.
The third-year receiver set his career-high with his 225 receiving yards.
“I didn’t think so either,” McVay said. “He went off today.”
Nacua explained that his tweet stemmed from a “a moment of frustration after a tough, intense game like that, just thinking of the opportunities that I could have done better to take it out of their hands.”
The 24-year-old also added that he doesn’t actually imagine his feedback from earlier in the week that referees make calls since they’re on tv.
Puka Nacua celebrates after scoring a landing. Getty Images
Nacua appreciated that his coach had his back but acknowledged that he obtained some powerful love for inflicting some points before a essential recreation.
“There is a time and place for some things and there are comments that I should definitely say to the guys in the locker room and to be aware of the situation that we’re in,” Nacua said of the lesson discovered, “but then also just to stay and use every moment to prepare for the week.”
The Rams (11-4) no longer control their destiny in the NFC West, sitting one recreation behind the Seahawks (12-3) and in the No. 5 spot in the NFC playoffs.
Los Angeles has already clinched a playoff spot and finishes the season with the non-contending Falcons and Cardinals, while the Seahawks face playoff contenders in the Panthers and 49ers.
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