- May 21, 2026
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Rams receiver Puka Nacua's unusual 2026 began the night the year began, with a claim that he bit a woman on New Year's Eve.
On Tuesday, a more clear image of the alleged bite emerged.
Madison Atiabi’s attorney, Joseph Kar, provided the photo to the California Post. It's a color version of a prior version of the same photo. And it shows imprints of roughly 16 teeth, top and bottom, in Atiabi's back.
In March 2026, Nacua's attorney, Levi McCathern, dismissed the conduct as “horseplay” in comments to TMZ. Still, McCathern seemed to admit that at least one bite occurred, saying (as characterized by TMZ) that the bite left a “temporary mark."
As compared to something permanent like a tattoo, sure it's temporary. But the image of it is clear and jarring.
“I don’t know if you know,” Kar told the Post, “but the mouth is one of the dirtiest places on the planet given the amount of bacteria we have as humans. . . . My client has also suffered severe emotional distress and mental anguish and is being treated.”
The civil case is ongoing. As also noted by the Post, Nacua may be eligible for a pre-trial diversion program in lieu of misdemeanor criminal charges.
Entry into a diversion program would make Nacua susceptible to a suspension under the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy.
On Tuesday, a more clear image of the alleged bite emerged.
Madison Atiabi’s attorney, Joseph Kar, provided the photo to the California Post. It's a color version of a prior version of the same photo. And it shows imprints of roughly 16 teeth, top and bottom, in Atiabi's back.
In March 2026, Nacua's attorney, Levi McCathern, dismissed the conduct as “horseplay” in comments to TMZ. Still, McCathern seemed to admit that at least one bite occurred, saying (as characterized by TMZ) that the bite left a “temporary mark."
As compared to something permanent like a tattoo, sure it's temporary. But the image of it is clear and jarring.
“I don’t know if you know,” Kar told the Post, “but the mouth is one of the dirtiest places on the planet given the amount of bacteria we have as humans. . . . My client has also suffered severe emotional distress and mental anguish and is being treated.”
The civil case is ongoing. As also noted by the Post, Nacua may be eligible for a pre-trial diversion program in lieu of misdemeanor criminal charges.
Entry into a diversion program would make Nacua susceptible to a suspension under the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy.