Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua could very well avoid criminal charges over allegations he bit a woman on New Year’s Eve.
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.
“This matter has been assigned for a City Attorney Hearing, a pre-filing diversion available to eligible individuals that is an alternative to misdemeanor criminal prosecution,” Ivor B. Pine told The Post.
“Charges are not filed against the respondent at this time, however, the case stays open throughout the length of the statute of limitations. It can be re-evaluated if there are further developments.”
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.”
Prosecutors opened a probe into Nacua earlier this year after Atiabi alleged he terrorized while they were out with friends.
In a lawsuit she filed against Nacua in March, Atiabi claimed the two-time Pro Bowler offended her at a dinner by saying “f—k all the Jews,” before he bit her on her shoulder while they were in a sprinter van on their way to another location later in the evening.
Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, acknowledged his client did bite Atiabi, though he said it was the result of the two horseplaying. He staunchly denied that Nacua ever uttered antisemitic remarks. He later revealed Nacua had checked into rehab following the incident.
Atiabi’s civil case against Nacua remains ongoing.
A message seeking comment from McCathern on Monday’s development was not immediately returned.
Atiabi’s lawyer, Joseph Kar, also did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.