The Los Angeles Rams and Puka Nacua received a significant update. Nacua, a First Team All-Pro in 2025, is still navigating a legal matter for allegedly biting a woman. The incident took place while they were out with a group in December 2025.
According to Ivor Pine, the Deputy Director of Communications for the City Attorney’s Office, relayed that the case “has been assigned for a City Attorney hearing.”
The process could mean Nacua avoids going to trial.
Puka Nacua Hears From Accuser’s Attorney After Getting Good News
GettyPuka Nacua saw a significant development in his pending legal matter regarding an alleged biting incident.
“Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua could very well avoid criminal charges over allegations he bit a woman on New Year’s Eve,” the New York Post’s Edward Lewis wrote on May 11.
“A spokesperson for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office told The California Post on Monday that following an investigation into claims that Nacua attacked Madison Atiabi while the two were partying on Dec. 31, prosecutors have opted against filing charges against the NFL superstar for now.”
Pine notified the press on Monday, indicating that Nacua could be eligible for a “pretrial diversion.” It would be “an alternative to misdemeanor criminal prosecution.”
Nacua could avoid a criminal trial if he completes the process. Pine said no charges have been filed against Nacua at this time. However, “The case stays open throughout the length of the statute of limitations.”
The news drew a reaction from Joseph Kar, attorney for the accuser, Madison Atiabi.
“We feel validated that the city attorney is proceeding with its charge for battery to a hearing,” Kar said, per USA Today’s Josh Peter on May 11. “This dispels the false narrative Mr. Nacua and his crisis team tried to push to the press before Mr. Nacua entered a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. Those city attorney proceedings are not a formal criminal filing but have very serious implications for an accused defendant, especially for a famous football player in the prime of his career such as Makea ‘Puka’ Nacua.”
Puka Nacua’s Attorney Sent Pointed Message
GettyPuka Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, has strongly proclaimed his client’s innocence.
Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, went on the offensive before his client checked into a private rehab facility this offseason. McCathern called the ongoing lawsuit “meritless,” echoing his sentiments regarding a temporary restraining order that was withdrawn.
He also suggested plans for retribution against Kar and Atiabi for their attempted “shakedown” on Nacua.
Nacua is in the final year of his rookie contract and due for a significant raise.
“They continue to make up stories trying to turn this minor episode into big dollars,” McCathern said, per TMZ’s Michael Backcock in March. “In the end, they are going to be paying Puka and not the other way around.”
Atiabi’s lawsuit also claims Nacua was making antisemitic remarks during the outing. That adds to the complexity of the situation for the Rams star.
McCathern has acknowledged the biting took place.
However, he denied any malicious intent, saying the two were roughhousing, while also denying that his client said anything antisemitic. Nacua was previously in hot water over what was perceived to be an antisemetic gesture. He planned to do it as a touchdown celebration.
Nacua apologized. The Rams have supported him throughout some negative moments. They have also acknowledged that he must handle himself better off the field.
Puka Nacua Awaiting Next Court Date
GettyPuka Nacua is awaiting a trial date in the civil case regarding an alleged biting incident.
Lewis added further context about the alternative mediation option that could be available to Nacua.
Lewis noted that “A City Attorney Hearing, according the Los Angeles City Attorney’s website, “is an informal proceeding that is conducted as an alternative to a misdemeanor criminal prosecution.
“The purpose is to develop alternative resolution in cases where a crime has been committed but prosecution may be inappropriate. This may include advising respondents of the nature of their offenses and the potential serious criminal consequences should the behavior be repeated.”
The outcome of this situation will not impact the civil case Kar filed on Atiabi’s behalf. The attorney said discovery has already begun in that, and they await a trial date.
“While my client harbors no ill will toward Mr. Nacua, she demands that the City Attorney treat this matter very seriously, and she will be proceeding with all her civil claims and causes of action in the due course of her pending action.”
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Puka Nacua Gets Strong Message From Accuser’s Lawyer Amid News on Lawsuit appeared first on HEAVY.