Brother of Rams’ Puka Nacua slapped with suspension by UFL for slapping fan in wild postgame altercation

The United Football League (UFL) has handed Michigan Panthers wide receiver Samson Nacua a one-game suspension without pay following an alarming postgame altercation that caught national attention. The league confirmed its decision Tuesday, days after video surfaced showing Nacua slapping a fan following the Panthers' 32–29 loss to the St. Louis Battlehawks on Saturday, April 26, at The Dome at America’s Center.

The video clip, which quickly made rounds on social media, captured a visibly frustrated Nacua exchanging heated words with a fan leaning from the front row. In a moment that turned tense, the 27-year-old wideout appeared to feint a motion before suddenly leaping and striking the fan in the face. After the slap, Nacua turned and walked away, while teammate Adonis Alexander pointed toward the fan and laughed.

The league swiftly responded, launching an internal investigation into the incident. On Tuesday, UFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Daryl Johnston, a former NFL fullback and current FOX analyst, announced the disciplinary action. Nacua will now miss the Panthers’ upcoming game against the 4-1 DC Defenders, scheduled for May 4.

Beyond the suspension, the UFL has also mandated Nacua’s participation in league-coordinated community service events, emphasizing its commitment to player accountability and professional conduct.
In a public statement shared with the Detroit News, Nacua expressed remorse for his actions. “I truly let my emotions get the best of me,” he admitted. “And accept the league’s decision completely. To my teammates, I will be supporting you in spirit as you face DC this weekend. … I appreciate this league for providing me the opportunity to continue playing the game I love.”

Despite the controversy, Nacua remains a key piece of the Panthers' offensive setup. He ranks third on the team in receiving, with seven catches for 116 yards and a touchdown this season. A former standout at both the University of Utah and BYU, Nacua entered professional football as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Though he signed with the Indianapolis Colts, he was released before the regular season and later had a brief stint with the New Orleans Saints during their 2023 preseason.
In 2023, Nacua played for the Pittsburgh Maulers in the USFL before the team was left out of the newly merged UFL. This season marked his second with the Michigan Panthers, where he shares the roster with his older brother Kai Nacua. His younger brother, Puka Nacua, has also risen to prominence as a wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams.
While emotions can run high in the heat of competition, the UFL's firm yet measured response signals that off-field conduct is just as important as on-field performance. With a forced timeout ahead, Nacua now faces the challenge of restoring trust both within the locker room and among fans.
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