NFL’s conduct policy review of Puka Nacua continues and that drives fantasy football managers nuts
The NFL's Personal Conduct Policy review of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua remains ongoing, despite the league opting not to place him on the Commissioner's Exempt List alongside three other figures disciplined at the weekend. Nacua, one of the Rams' most productive offensive players, is being examined over a civil lawsuit alleging he bit a woman's shoulder at a New Year's Eve party, and his continued availability is being closely watched given his prominence in fantasy football lineups.
Also under review are San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York, arrested last month in connection with a prostitution sting, and Ravens receiver Rashod Bateman and Rams tackle Alaric Jackson, both arrested in June on battery-related allegations. Nacua denies the biting allegation, which his lawyer describes as "horseplay," and no criminal charges have been filed; a civil trial has been set for 27 March 2028. The NFL has no fixed deadline to rule before the season starts—Von Miller was suspended mid-season in 2024 as a precedent—so Nacua could still face discipline even after Los Angeles open their campaign against San Francisco in Australia on 10 September.
In short
- Puka Nacua remains under NFL conduct policy review despite avoiding the Exempt List
- He faces a civil suit alleging he bit a woman at a party
- Fantasy managers are watching closely as Week 1 nears with no ruling yet
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The league can argue that it should complete a careful, consistent review before imposing discipline, particularly while the allegation is disputed, Nacua denies it and no criminal charges have been filed. Avoiding a premature ruling respects procedural fairness, while leaving open the possibility of later action preserves the policy’s role in addressing conduct that could harm others or the league’s standards.
The case against
Critics can argue that an open-ended review creates uncertainty for the alleged victim, the teams and the public, and that the league should explain its timetable and apply its policy consistently. Nacua’s prominence and continued availability may also heighten scrutiny of whether star players receive different treatment, even if the evidence and circumstances in each case must be assessed individually.
Explained simply
The NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy sets standards for players and other league figures, and allows the league to investigate alleged misconduct and impose discipline. Being left off the Commissioner’s Exempt List means a person can continue working while a review is under way; it does not mean the review is over or that no penalty will follow.
Puka Nacua is a wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams and a prominent part of their offence. A civil lawsuit alleges he bit a woman at a New Year’s Eve party; Nacua denies the allegation, no criminal charges have been filed, and the civil case is scheduled for trial in 2028.
Fantasy football managers choose real NFL players for virtual teams, so Nacua’s availability can affect their line-ups. The league has no fixed deadline for completing a conduct review, meaning any decision could come after the season begins.
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