On Tuesday night, Nacua was on Ross’ streaming channel and was told to add the controversial move to his next touchdown celebration. Ross, who is Jewish, and others on the stream called the move a “iconic” dance while showing the Rams star how to do it on camera.
A lot of people know that the motion—spinning the football, flexing, then bending over and rubbing his hands together while grinning—is a way to make fun of Jews for being greedy, based on long-standing antisemitic stereotypes. The stream’s clips quickly spread across social media, causing outrage and calls for the NFL and the Rams to be held accountable.
Nacua said in an Instagram post that he didn’t know the gesture was antisemitic when he agreed to do it on the livestream. He wrote, “At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic and spread harmful stereotypes about Jewish people.” This message was in line with the Stand Up to Jewish Hate campaign’s blue-square branding.
Nacua also said that he doesn’t support racism or bigotry against “another group of people” and that he is “deeply sorry to anyone who was offended” by what he did. The wide receiver made the statement sound like a chance to learn, saying that he now understands the history and meaning behind the gesture.
Political leaders, like California congressman Eric Swalwell, quickly spoke out against the controversy. Swalwell called the idea of a celebration “antisemitic” and told Nacua to apologize or face consequences. Jewish advocates also pointed out that this happened at a bad time for Jewish communities that were already on edge because of recent violent attacks in other countries.
