Rams star Puka Nacua says he’ll never criticize NFL refs again

Rams players enjoyed their day off for Christmas, perhaps no one more than Puka Nacua.

The previous week, the star wide receiver was fined $25,000 by the NFL after making comments critical of officials during a live broadcast and then again in a social media post immediately following the Rams’ crushing 38-37 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

The fine capped a week in which Nacua also apologized for making an anti-Semitic gesture during the live broadcast — an incident that led the Rams and NFL to issue statements as well.

So Nacua said Friday he was happy to enjoy Christmas before continuing to prepare for Monday night’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.

“It’s been nice to celebrate and rejoice and get ready for what’s ahead,” he said after practice at SoFi Stadium.

Nacua said the fine “really hurts” but was not unexpected.

“An experience to learn from and, man, don’t ever let that happen again,” he said. “There will be moments of frustration later in the career…so you just have to be able to manage those emotions and send that energy in the right direction.”

Nacua understands he has an opportunity to send positive messages, quarterback Matthew Stafford said.

“He’s obviously never going to be perfect, no one is,” said Stafford, a 17th-year pro. “We’ve all had things that we wish we’d handled maybe a little differently, but he’s still our brother.

“We love him and we will continue to support him and try to help him as best we can.”

Nacua, a third-year pro, was elected to the Pro Bowl for the second time while producing another stellar season that could put him in the conversation for NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

He leads the NFL with 114 catches. His 1,592 receiving yards rank second and he has eight touchdown catches.

Former Rams receiver Cooper Kupp was the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year when he won the so-called receiving triple crown by leading the league with 145 receptions, 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Nacua and Stafford, who was also elected to the Pro Bowl, have been particularly in sync over the last three games.

In the Cardinals’ loss on December 7, Nacua caught seven passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns. The following week, he caught nine passes for 181 yards in a victory against the Detroit Lions.

Four days later, with fellow star receiver Davante Adams sidelined with a hamstring injury, he caught 12 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to the Seahawks.

Nacua was particularly effective on critical plays on third and fourth downs.

“It’s been fun to have those pressure moments, because that’s what you play sports for,” he said. “You live for conversions from third to fourth, and you find a way to convert.

“It’s fun when these opportunities present themselves.”

During the three-game stretch, Nacua did “the same thing he’s been doing all season,” Stafford said, noting that the Rams have had more snaps in recent games.

“He runs great routes,” Stafford said, “and plays really hard with and without the football.”

The Rams (11-4) have clinched a playoff spot and are currently ranked sixth in the NFC. They face the Falcons (6-9), then finish the season at home against the Arizona Cardinals.

Nacua aims to continue the recent streak of amplified success, which stems from the connection he has with Stafford and the “excitement” that permeates the Rams locker room.

“There’s just an excitement to keep going out there and proving ourselves,” he said, “and so it becomes fun when you get the reward you want.”

Etc.

After practicing at SoFi Stadium on Wednesday and Friday, the Rams will return to their Woodland Hills facility to practice on Saturday. … Adams, left tackle Alaric Jackson (knee), right guard Kevin Dotson (ankle) and defensive back Josh Wallace (ankle) did not practice, according to the Rams injury report.