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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was accused of biting a lady on New Year’s Eve. The incident kicked off a troubled 2026 for him. Now, a clearer photograph of the alleged bite has emerged this week, and it has shaken the NFL world.
On March 25, 2026, Madison Atiabi filed a civil case in Los Angeles County Superior Court against Nacua. The alleged incident occurred on December 31, 2025, in a Sprinter van during a NYE group dinner in Century City, Los Angeles. Atiabi alleges Nacua “viciously attacked” her. She claims he forced all of his teeth into her scapula for 10-20 seconds. This caused her to fold over and cry.
The complaint also claims the NFL player made an antisemitic comment. It further alleges he bit a second woman, Atiabi’s girlfriend, on the thumb. Atiabi is claiming assault, battery, gender violence, and negligence. She is seeking financial and punitive damages, including medical expenses.
On July 20, 2026, Atiabi’s attorney, Joseph Kar, submitted a color photograph of the bite mark. It was included as part of a Case Management Conference statement. According to Kar, the bite created a micropuncture and required the woman to get a tetanus injection.
Kar submitted a color photo of the bite mark at the request of USA Today Sports. He believes the black-and-white copy presented as evidence is one reason the bite mark has been downplayed. According to the petition, Nacua did this after the lawsuit was filed with the LA County Superior Court in March 2026. He allegedly“engaged the crisis management team to besmirch and falsely portray the Plaintiff ‘as horseplaying.'”
Soon after USA Today Sports published those photos, Nacua’s attorney released a statement. His lawyer described the biting incident as “a minor incident” that “caused little harm.” The incident resulted in a lawsuit and potential battery charges.
Levi McCathern, II, made his remarks on July 21, 2026. He spoke after USA TODAY Sports published a photo of the injuries. She said those injuries were caused when Nacua bit her. McCathern has threatened further legal action against the victim’s team.
What’s Next For Puka Nacua: NFL Suspension Risk
The City Attorney is handling the matter, and Nacua might face misdemeanor battery charges. However, on Monday, a City Attorney official stated via email that “The matter is currently on track to be resolved through pre-filing diversion.”
According to the LA County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department website, the Pre-filing Diversion Program “diverts individuals detained for non-serious/non-violent misdemeanors and felonies to community supports, in lieu of criminal charges being filed (which could entail prosecution and jail time).”
The 25-year-old could be suspended under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy if he entered a diversion program. Any ban would be a big setback for the Rams. The team relies on Nacua as a First-Team All-Pro receiver. On the other hand, his attorney earlier described the case as a “shakedown” and the charges as “blackmail” and “completely meritless.”
According to the Monday case management file, Nacua has changed his responses to written questions. Those questions were presented under oath. According to the petition, he first claimed the victim was responsible for the incident. He cited the claim that “Plaintiff was very intoxicated at the time of the incident.” According to the complaint, in recently revised answers, he changed his answer about whether or not the victim contributed to “No. However, discovery and investigation are continuing.”
According to the petition, Nacua has refused to share the identity or contact information of witnesses. He had openly claimed those witnesses existed in the news before the case was filed. According to court records, McCathern made this threat before the complaint was brought. He threatened to “publicly tarnish the victim’s reputation to TMZ” before bringing the complaint. In March 2026, Atiabi applied for a temporary restraining order, which was originally refused, with a hearing scheduled for April 14, 2026.
