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Deadspin | Report: Puka Nacua accuser withdraws restraining order request  Feb 5, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Puka Nacua on the NFL Honors Red Carpet before Super Bowl LX at Palace of Fine Arts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images   A woman who previously was denied a restraining order against Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua for procedural reasons has withdrawn her petition without prejudice, instead choosing to prioritize a civil lawsuit against him, The Athletic reported Wednesday.  Joseph Kar, who represents plaintiff Madison Atiabi, told The Athletic in a statement that by withdrawing the petition, the civil case can proceed.  Nacua has been sued by Atiabi, who accused him of biting her on the shoulder and her friend on the thumb at a New Year’s Eve celebration in Los Angeles. He also allegedly said “f– all the Jews” during dinner that night, which made Atiabi uncomfortable because she is Jewish.  “A voluntary withdrawal allows for the merits of the civil matter to be thoroughly investigated and tried to a jury,” Kar said in the statement. “Civil harassment petitions are not normally ever tried before any jury while the civil lawsuit will be proceeding on all counts to a jury.”  Atiabi is seeking unspecified financial compensation.  Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, denied the receiver said the antisemitic remark while describing the biting as “horseplay.”  Earlier this month, McCathern announced that Nacua had checked into a rehabilitation facility.   “Puka takes responsibility for his well-being and increasing his performance during the offseason,” McCathern wrote in a statement published by NFL Network at the time. “So, in early March … Puka voluntarily entered a holistic care facility to focus on his personal growth.”  He is expected to take part in team OTAs later this spring.  Nacua is an All-Pro who caught a league-high 129 passes for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns across 16 games with Los Angeles last fall, but he also has made headlines for less positive reasons.  Nacua, 24, had to apologize for a different antisemitic incident that took place earlier in December on a livestream with influencer Adin Ross. Ross persuaded Nacua into making a gesture connected to Jewish stereotypes while practicing a touchdown celebration on the stream.  He is eligible for a contract extension this offseason that is expected to make him among the top-paid players at his position.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Report #Puka #Nacua #accuser #withdraws #restraining #order #request

Deadspin | Report: Puka Nacua accuser withdraws restraining order request
Deadspin | Report: Puka Nacua accuser withdraws restraining order request  Feb 5, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Puka Nacua on the NFL Honors Red Carpet before Super Bowl LX at Palace of Fine Arts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images   A woman who previously was denied a restraining order against Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua for procedural reasons has withdrawn her petition without prejudice, instead choosing to prioritize a civil lawsuit against him, The Athletic reported Wednesday.  Joseph Kar, who represents plaintiff Madison Atiabi, told The Athletic in a statement that by withdrawing the petition, the civil case can proceed.  Nacua has been sued by Atiabi, who accused him of biting her on the shoulder and her friend on the thumb at a New Year’s Eve celebration in Los Angeles. He also allegedly said “f– all the Jews” during dinner that night, which made Atiabi uncomfortable because she is Jewish.  “A voluntary withdrawal allows for the merits of the civil matter to be thoroughly investigated and tried to a jury,” Kar said in the statement. “Civil harassment petitions are not normally ever tried before any jury while the civil lawsuit will be proceeding on all counts to a jury.”  Atiabi is seeking unspecified financial compensation.  Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, denied the receiver said the antisemitic remark while describing the biting as “horseplay.”  Earlier this month, McCathern announced that Nacua had checked into a rehabilitation facility.   “Puka takes responsibility for his well-being and increasing his performance during the offseason,” McCathern wrote in a statement published by NFL Network at the time. “So, in early March … Puka voluntarily entered a holistic care facility to focus on his personal growth.”  He is expected to take part in team OTAs later this spring.  Nacua is an All-Pro who caught a league-high 129 passes for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns across 16 games with Los Angeles last fall, but he also has made headlines for less positive reasons.  Nacua, 24, had to apologize for a different antisemitic incident that took place earlier in December on a livestream with influencer Adin Ross. Ross persuaded Nacua into making a gesture connected to Jewish stereotypes while practicing a touchdown celebration on the stream.  He is eligible for a contract extension this offseason that is expected to make him among the top-paid players at his position.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Report #Puka #Nacua #accuser #withdraws #restraining #order #requestFeb 5, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Puka Nacua on the NFL Honors Red Carpet before Super Bowl LX at Palace of Fine Arts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

A woman who previously was denied a restraining order against Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua for procedural reasons has withdrawn her petition without prejudice, instead choosing to prioritize a civil lawsuit against him, The Athletic reported Wednesday.

Joseph Kar, who represents plaintiff Madison Atiabi, told The Athletic in a statement that by withdrawing the petition, the civil case can proceed.

Nacua has been sued by Atiabi, who accused him of biting her on the shoulder and her friend on the thumb at a New Year’s Eve celebration in Los Angeles. He also allegedly said “f– all the Jews” during dinner that night, which made Atiabi uncomfortable because she is Jewish.

“A voluntary withdrawal allows for the merits of the civil matter to be thoroughly investigated and tried to a jury,” Kar said in the statement. “Civil harassment petitions are not normally ever tried before any jury while the civil lawsuit will be proceeding on all counts to a jury.”

Atiabi is seeking unspecified financial compensation.

Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, denied the receiver said the antisemitic remark while describing the biting as “horseplay.”


Earlier this month, McCathern announced that Nacua had checked into a rehabilitation facility.

“Puka takes responsibility for his well-being and increasing his performance during the offseason,” McCathern wrote in a statement published by NFL Network at the time. “So, in early March … Puka voluntarily entered a holistic care facility to focus on his personal growth.”

He is expected to take part in team OTAs later this spring.

Nacua is an All-Pro who caught a league-high 129 passes for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns across 16 games with Los Angeles last fall, but he also has made headlines for less positive reasons.

Nacua, 24, had to apologize for a different antisemitic incident that took place earlier in December on a livestream with influencer Adin Ross. Ross persuaded Nacua into making a gesture connected to Jewish stereotypes while practicing a touchdown celebration on the stream.

He is eligible for a contract extension this offseason that is expected to make him among the top-paid players at his position.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Report #Puka #Nacua #accuser #withdraws #restraining #order #request

Feb 5, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Puka Nacua on the NFL Honors Red Carpet before Super Bowl LX at Palace of Fine Arts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

A woman who previously was denied a restraining order against Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua for procedural reasons has withdrawn her petition without prejudice, instead choosing to prioritize a civil lawsuit against him, The Athletic reported Wednesday.

Joseph Kar, who represents plaintiff Madison Atiabi, told The Athletic in a statement that by withdrawing the petition, the civil case can proceed.

Nacua has been sued by Atiabi, who accused him of biting her on the shoulder and her friend on the thumb at a New Year’s Eve celebration in Los Angeles. He also allegedly said “f– all the Jews” during dinner that night, which made Atiabi uncomfortable because she is Jewish.

“A voluntary withdrawal allows for the merits of the civil matter to be thoroughly investigated and tried to a jury,” Kar said in the statement. “Civil harassment petitions are not normally ever tried before any jury while the civil lawsuit will be proceeding on all counts to a jury.”

Atiabi is seeking unspecified financial compensation.

Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, denied the receiver said the antisemitic remark while describing the biting as “horseplay.”

Earlier this month, McCathern announced that Nacua had checked into a rehabilitation facility.

“Puka takes responsibility for his well-being and increasing his performance during the offseason,” McCathern wrote in a statement published by NFL Network at the time. “So, in early March … Puka voluntarily entered a holistic care facility to focus on his personal growth.”

He is expected to take part in team OTAs later this spring.

Nacua is an All-Pro who caught a league-high 129 passes for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns across 16 games with Los Angeles last fall, but he also has made headlines for less positive reasons.

Nacua, 24, had to apologize for a different antisemitic incident that took place earlier in December on a livestream with influencer Adin Ross. Ross persuaded Nacua into making a gesture connected to Jewish stereotypes while practicing a touchdown celebration on the stream.

He is eligible for a contract extension this offseason that is expected to make him among the top-paid players at his position.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Report #Puka #Nacua #accuser #withdraws #restraining #order #request

Deadspin | French striker Hugo Ekitike (Achilles) out of World Cup  Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike reacts after sustaining an injury against Paris Saint-Germain on April 14, 2026. Credit: Reuters/Lee Smith
   French striker Hugo Ekitike likely will miss this summer’s FIFA World Cup after reportedly tearing his Achilles tendon.  The Liverpool forward sustained the injury in Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League quarterfinal loss to Paris Saint-Germain.  Ekitike, 23, collapsed to the ground in pain midway through the first half and left the pitch on a stretcher.  The team was awaiting test results Wednesday to determine the extent of the Achilles tear, but ESPN and The Athletic both cited sources characterizing it as a ruptured tendon. Such an injury typically requires a recovery period of nine to 12 months.   Ekitike has 17 goals in 45 matches against all competitions this season for Liverpool, which sits fifth in the English Premier League standings with six matches remaining.  He has earned eight caps with France’s national team and was expected to be part of manager Didier Deschamps’ squad this summer in North America.  France is currently No. 1 in the FIFA World Ranking. The two-time World Cup champions (1998, 2018) are in Group I for the 2026 edition along with Senegal, Norway and Iraq. France opens play against Senegal on June 16 in East Rutherford, N.J.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #French #striker #Hugo #Ekitike #Achilles #World #CupLiverpool’s Hugo Ekitike reacts after sustaining an injury against Paris Saint-Germain on April 14, 2026. Credit: Reuters/Lee Smith

French striker Hugo Ekitike likely will miss this summer’s FIFA World Cup after reportedly tearing his Achilles tendon.

The Liverpool forward sustained the injury in Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League quarterfinal loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

Ekitike, 23, collapsed to the ground in pain midway through the first half and left the pitch on a stretcher.


The team was awaiting test results Wednesday to determine the extent of the Achilles tear, but ESPN and The Athletic both cited sources characterizing it as a ruptured tendon. Such an injury typically requires a recovery period of nine to 12 months.

Ekitike has 17 goals in 45 matches against all competitions this season for Liverpool, which sits fifth in the English Premier League standings with six matches remaining.

He has earned eight caps with France’s national team and was expected to be part of manager Didier Deschamps’ squad this summer in North America.

France is currently No. 1 in the FIFA World Ranking. The two-time World Cup champions (1998, 2018) are in Group I for the 2026 edition along with Senegal, Norway and Iraq. France opens play against Senegal on June 16 in East Rutherford, N.J.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #French #striker #Hugo #Ekitike #Achilles #World #Cup">Deadspin | French striker Hugo Ekitike (Achilles) out of World Cup  Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike reacts after sustaining an injury against Paris Saint-Germain on April 14, 2026. Credit: Reuters/Lee Smith
   French striker Hugo Ekitike likely will miss this summer’s FIFA World Cup after reportedly tearing his Achilles tendon.  The Liverpool forward sustained the injury in Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League quarterfinal loss to Paris Saint-Germain.  Ekitike, 23, collapsed to the ground in pain midway through the first half and left the pitch on a stretcher.  The team was awaiting test results Wednesday to determine the extent of the Achilles tear, but ESPN and The Athletic both cited sources characterizing it as a ruptured tendon. Such an injury typically requires a recovery period of nine to 12 months.   Ekitike has 17 goals in 45 matches against all competitions this season for Liverpool, which sits fifth in the English Premier League standings with six matches remaining.  He has earned eight caps with France’s national team and was expected to be part of manager Didier Deschamps’ squad this summer in North America.  France is currently No. 1 in the FIFA World Ranking. The two-time World Cup champions (1998, 2018) are in Group I for the 2026 edition along with Senegal, Norway and Iraq. France opens play against Senegal on June 16 in East Rutherford, N.J.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #French #striker #Hugo #Ekitike #Achilles #World #Cup

It has been a forgettable outing for the Mumbai Indians so far, with just two points from four games. Adding to its woes, the franchise sweats over the fitness of Rohit Sharma ahead of the must-win Indian Premier League clash against Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

Rohit had hobbled off after injuring his hamstring during the previous game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and has since skipped practice, with the franchise maintaining that the “medical team is assessing” him.

Rohit did some light, gingerly jogging on the eve of the game after skipping earlier training sessions. Later, he also spent about twenty minutes in the nets, facing throwdowns and taking on net bowlers.

A late call is expected, but if he eventually misses out, it will further dent a top order that has lacked consistency. Rohit’s ability to anchor and accelerate has often set the tone, and his absence would only deepen Mumbai’s early-season struggles.

ALSO READ | Rohit Sharma doubtful for Mumbai Indians’ home game vs Punjab Kings

MI has struggled for consistency, with its star-studded batting line-up failing to click collectively – starts have not been converted, and partnerships have been hard to build.

On the eve of the game, Naman Dhir downplayed concerns over the form of Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. While Suryakumar has scored 106 runs, Tilak has managed just 35 so far, though the team remains confident of a turnaround in fortunes.

The bowling unit, too, has been far from impressive. Jasprit Bumrah is yet to pick up a wicket despite being economical, while Trent Boult and Hardik Pandya have lacked consistency, especially in the death overs.

Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, appear more settled. Strong PowerPlay returns from Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, along with middle-order stability, give them the edge heading into the contest.

For Mumbai Indians, another defeat could deepen a crisis in a season already threatening to drift away early, leaving little margin for recovery in a tightly contested league.

Will Jacks to link up with MI

England all-rounder Will Jacks is set to link up with Mumbai Indians later this week after missing the franchise’s first four matches of the IPL.

The 27-year-old took time off following a demanding stretch of cricket, having featured in four of England’s five Tests during The Ashes. He then continued his busy schedule with the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka and the subsequent T20 World Cup, prompting a short break before joining the IPL.

Jacks’ arrival is expected to bolster Mumbai’s options, particularly in the middle order, while also providing a handy off-spin option as the team looks to revive its campaign after a slow start to the season.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

#IPL #Underfire #Mumbai #Indians #tested #highflying #Punjab #Kings">IPL 2026: Under-fire Mumbai Indians to be tested by high-flying Punjab Kings  It has been a forgettable outing for the Mumbai Indians so far, with just two points from four games. Adding to its woes, the franchise sweats over the fitness of Rohit Sharma ahead of the must-win Indian Premier League clash against Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.Rohit had hobbled off after injuring his hamstring during the previous game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and has since skipped practice, with the franchise maintaining that the “medical team is assessing” him.Rohit did some light, gingerly jogging on the eve of the game after skipping earlier training sessions. Later, he also spent about twenty minutes in the nets, facing throwdowns and taking on net bowlers.A late call is expected, but if he eventually misses out, it will further dent a top order that has lacked consistency. Rohit’s ability to anchor and accelerate has often set the tone, and his absence would only deepen Mumbai’s early-season struggles.ALSO READ | Rohit Sharma doubtful for Mumbai Indians’ home game vs Punjab KingsMI has struggled for consistency, with its star-studded batting line-up failing to click collectively – starts have not been converted, and partnerships have been hard to build.On the eve of the game, Naman Dhir downplayed concerns over the form of Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. While Suryakumar has scored 106 runs, Tilak has managed just 35 so far, though the team remains confident of a turnaround in fortunes.The bowling unit, too, has been far from impressive. Jasprit Bumrah is yet to pick up a wicket despite being economical, while Trent Boult and Hardik Pandya have lacked consistency, especially in the death overs.Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, appear more settled. Strong PowerPlay returns from Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, along with middle-order stability, give them the edge heading into the contest.For Mumbai Indians, another defeat could deepen a crisis in a season already threatening to drift away early, leaving little margin for recovery in a tightly contested league.Will Jacks to link up with MIEngland all-rounder Will Jacks is set to link up with Mumbai Indians later this week after missing the franchise’s first four matches of the IPL.The 27-year-old took time off following a demanding stretch of cricket, having featured in four of England’s five Tests during The Ashes. He then continued his busy schedule with the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka and the subsequent T20 World Cup, prompting a short break before joining the IPL.Jacks’ arrival is expected to bolster Mumbai’s options, particularly in the middle order, while also providing a handy off-spin option as the team looks to revive its campaign after a slow start to the season.Published on Apr 15, 2026  #IPL #Underfire #Mumbai #Indians #tested #highflying #Punjab #Kings

Rohit Sharma doubtful for Mumbai Indians’ home game vs Punjab Kings

MI has struggled for consistency, with its star-studded batting line-up failing to click collectively – starts have not been converted, and partnerships have been hard to build.

On the eve of the game, Naman Dhir downplayed concerns over the form of Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. While Suryakumar has scored 106 runs, Tilak has managed just 35 so far, though the team remains confident of a turnaround in fortunes.

The bowling unit, too, has been far from impressive. Jasprit Bumrah is yet to pick up a wicket despite being economical, while Trent Boult and Hardik Pandya have lacked consistency, especially in the death overs.

Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, appear more settled. Strong PowerPlay returns from Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, along with middle-order stability, give them the edge heading into the contest.

For Mumbai Indians, another defeat could deepen a crisis in a season already threatening to drift away early, leaving little margin for recovery in a tightly contested league.

Will Jacks to link up with MI

England all-rounder Will Jacks is set to link up with Mumbai Indians later this week after missing the franchise’s first four matches of the IPL.

The 27-year-old took time off following a demanding stretch of cricket, having featured in four of England’s five Tests during The Ashes. He then continued his busy schedule with the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka and the subsequent T20 World Cup, prompting a short break before joining the IPL.

Jacks’ arrival is expected to bolster Mumbai’s options, particularly in the middle order, while also providing a handy off-spin option as the team looks to revive its campaign after a slow start to the season.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

#IPL #Underfire #Mumbai #Indians #tested #highflying #Punjab #Kings">IPL 2026: Under-fire Mumbai Indians to be tested by high-flying Punjab Kings

It has been a forgettable outing for the Mumbai Indians so far, with just two points from four games. Adding to its woes, the franchise sweats over the fitness of Rohit Sharma ahead of the must-win Indian Premier League clash against Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

Rohit had hobbled off after injuring his hamstring during the previous game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and has since skipped practice, with the franchise maintaining that the “medical team is assessing” him.

Rohit did some light, gingerly jogging on the eve of the game after skipping earlier training sessions. Later, he also spent about twenty minutes in the nets, facing throwdowns and taking on net bowlers.

A late call is expected, but if he eventually misses out, it will further dent a top order that has lacked consistency. Rohit’s ability to anchor and accelerate has often set the tone, and his absence would only deepen Mumbai’s early-season struggles.

ALSO READ | Rohit Sharma doubtful for Mumbai Indians’ home game vs Punjab Kings

MI has struggled for consistency, with its star-studded batting line-up failing to click collectively – starts have not been converted, and partnerships have been hard to build.

On the eve of the game, Naman Dhir downplayed concerns over the form of Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. While Suryakumar has scored 106 runs, Tilak has managed just 35 so far, though the team remains confident of a turnaround in fortunes.

The bowling unit, too, has been far from impressive. Jasprit Bumrah is yet to pick up a wicket despite being economical, while Trent Boult and Hardik Pandya have lacked consistency, especially in the death overs.

Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, appear more settled. Strong PowerPlay returns from Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, along with middle-order stability, give them the edge heading into the contest.

For Mumbai Indians, another defeat could deepen a crisis in a season already threatening to drift away early, leaving little margin for recovery in a tightly contested league.

Will Jacks to link up with MI

England all-rounder Will Jacks is set to link up with Mumbai Indians later this week after missing the franchise’s first four matches of the IPL.

The 27-year-old took time off following a demanding stretch of cricket, having featured in four of England’s five Tests during The Ashes. He then continued his busy schedule with the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka and the subsequent T20 World Cup, prompting a short break before joining the IPL.

Jacks’ arrival is expected to bolster Mumbai’s options, particularly in the middle order, while also providing a handy off-spin option as the team looks to revive its campaign after a slow start to the season.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

#IPL #Underfire #Mumbai #Indians #tested #highflying #Punjab #Kings

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