Why is Puka Nacua in rehab? Here's what led Rams WR to seek treatment

Los Angeles Ramswide receiverPuka Nacuais in rehab. What events led him to check in to a luxury treatment center in Malibu, and what comes next for the rising star receiver?

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In March, a woman filed a civil lawsuit against Nacua alleging he bit her and one of her friends on Dec. 31. The woman also said that the Rams' receiver made an antisemitic comment during the dinner where she alleges the biting incident took place.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) leaves the field following a game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on Jan. 4, 2026. The third-year wide receiver entered the postseason coming off another superb regular season. Look back at his NFL career. Puka Nacua on the NFL Honors Red Carpet before Super Bowl LX at Palace of Fine Arts on Feb. 5, 2026 in San Francisco. Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua (left) and linebacker Byron Young (0) pose during NFC practice at the NFL Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South Building on Feb. 2, 2026 in San Francisco. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua scores a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field on Jan. 25, 2026 in Seattle. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) reacts after a catch against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field on Jan. 25, 2026 in Seattle. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) looks on before the 2026 NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Jan. 25, 2026 in Seattle. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) gives his wristband to a fan as he leaves the field after an NFC Divisional Round game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Jan. 18, 2026. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) reacts against the Carolina Panthers in the second half during the NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium on Jan. 10, 2026 Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) makes a catch against Carolina Panthers linebacker Christian Rozeboom (56) in the first half during the NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium on Jan. 10, 2026 Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) with the ball as Carolina Panthers safety Nick Scott (21) defends in the first quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium on Jan. 10, 2026. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) warms up before the game in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium on Jan. 10, 2026. . Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) walks into the stadium before the NFC Wild Card Round game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Jan. 10, 2026. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) poses for a picture with quarterback Matthew StaffordÕs daughters prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on Jan. 4, 2026. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) warms up prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on Jan. 4, 2026. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) celebrates with wide receiver Konata Mumpfield (15) after a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Dec. 29, 2025. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) celebrates after defeating the Detroit Lions at SoFi Stadium on Dec. 14, 2025. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) celebrates after a catch during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at SoFi Stadium on Dec. 14, 2025. New York Jets safety Chuck Clark (36) tackles Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 22, 2024. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) signs autographs after training camp at Loyola Marymount University on July 31, 2024. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) catches a pass during training camp at Loyola Marymount University on July 29, 2024. Los Angeles Rams player Puka Nacua poses with an LA Galaxy jersey before the game against Inter Miami CF at Dignity Health Sports Park Feb. 25, 2024 Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (left) gives the game ball to his mother Penina (right) after defeating the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Jan. 7, 2024 Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua carries the ball against the New Orleans Saints in the second half at SoFi Stadium on Dec. 21, 2023. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) is brought down by New Orleans Saints safety Jordan Howden (31) during the first half at SoFi Stadium on Dec. 21, 2023. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) celebrates his catch against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on Dec. 10, 2023. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) scores on a 70-yard touchdown reception against the Cleveland Browns in the first half at SoFi Stadium Dec. 3, 2023. Fox Sports sideline reporter Laura Okmin interviews Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua after the game against the Cleveland Browns at SoFi Stadium on Dec. 3, 2023. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on Oct. 15, 2023 Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at SoFi Stadium on Oct. 8, 2023. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) celebrates his touchdown scored against the Philadelphia Eagles with wide receiver Tutu Atwell (5) during the first half at SoFi Stadium on Oct. 8, 2023. Brigham Young wide receiver Puka Nacua participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Mar. 4, 2023.

See Puka Nacua and his NFL career in photos

On April 1, Nacua's attorney Levi McCathern told USA TODAY Sports thatNacua had entered rehab.

USA TODAY Sports has compiled a full timeline of what we know about Nacua's rehab, from what led up to his checking into the treatment center to what comes next.

PUKA NACUA:Rams' Puka Nacua in rehab following alleged biting incident

Timeline of Puka Nacua's offseason: Why Rams WR is in rehab

Dec. 16, 2025

Nacua appears on an online livestreamwith streamers Adin Ross and N3on (real name Rangesh Mutama). During the livestream, Ross requests that Nacua celebrate his next touchdown by using an antisemitic trope that the streamer demonstrates. In copying Ross, the receiver mimics the trope.

Dec. 18, 2025

Nacua releases a statementapologizing for using the gesture on the livestream two days prior.

"When I appeared the other day on a social media livestream, it was suggested to me to perform a specific movement as part of my next touchdown celebration," he wrote in an Instagram post. "At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people.

"I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people."

The Instagram post of the apology has since been deleted.

Dec. 29, 2025

TheLos Angeles Ramslose aWeek 17 gameto the Atlanta Falcons 27-24. With five seconds left in the game, Nacuaappears to catch a sideline passnear Rams kicker Harrison Mevis' field goal range, but the referees rule it incomplete. A replay assistant challenges the call, and the incompletion call is confirmed.

Nacua finishes the game with 47 yards and a touchdown on five catches.

Dec. 31, 2025

Nacua allegedly makes an antisemitic comment and bites two women on New Year's Eve.

Jan. 4, 2026

Nacua plays in the Rams' final regular season game, aWeek 18 victoryover the Arizona Cardinals. The wideout finishes the contest with 10 catches for 76 yards and a touchdown.

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Jan. 10-25, 2026

Nacua continues to play throughout Los Angeles' run to theNFC championship gamein the playoffs. By the time the Seahawks beat the Rams for an NFC title and spot in the Super Bowl, Nacua has 24 catches for 332 yards and two touchdowns in three playoff games.

Feb. 8, 2026

The night of the Super Bowl, asocial media clipsurfaces showing Nacua stumbling and dancing in the street. In the video, the receiver tries to get into a black SUV before another person pulls him away. Nacua jumps up and down and dances in front of another car. He's eventually pulled by his shirt over to another black SUV, which he jumps into.

March 25, 2026

A womanfiles a civil lawsuit accusing Nacuaof the biting incident on Dec. 31. In the suit, she alleges he bit her, and caused injury, pain and suffering after a dinner in the Century City area of Los Angeles. She also alleges Nacua bit her female friend that night.

According to the lawsuit, Nacua made an antisemitic comment and was sexually suggestive at the dinner prior to the biting incident.

McCathern, Nacua's attorney, says in a statement to USA TODAY Sports thatNacua denies the accusationsand that a sober witness has denied them as well.

"We will be filing a defamation lawsuit and pursuing all available legal remedies in response to these false and damaging statements," McCathern says.

He also says the alleged victim of the biting incident asked for millions of dollars in exchange for not publicizing the allegations.

"Let's be clear about what this case is — and what it is not," McCathern says. "This matter is not sexual in nature, nor does it involve any allegation of domestic violence. If it did, the filings would look very different. They do not. It also doesn't involve any elements of antisemitism."

April 1, 2026

McCathern tells USA TODAY Sports thatNacua has entered rehab.

"Puka is taking responsibility for his well-being and is focused on improving his performance during the offseason," McCathern writes in a statement. "Well before any temporary restraining order was filed ... Puka voluntarily entered a private facility to focus on his health, personal growth, and overall development."

McCathern also notes that the temporary restraining order was denied.

Puka Nacua contract: May 2026

McCathern states that Nacua will finish his program at the recovery facility in time to re-join the Rams for organized team activities (OTAs).

Rams OTAs begin in May. The exact date remains to be announced as of April 2.

The fourth-year wideout is entering the final season of his rookie contract in 2026. With his third NFL season in the books, Nacua is eligible for a contract extension that could be among the highest-value contracts of all NFL receivers.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:What Puka Nacua is in rehab for, why Rams WR is there, what's next

Why is Puka Nacua in rehab? Here's what led Rams WR to seek treatment

Los Angeles Ramswide receiverPuka Nacuais in rehab. What events led him to check in to a luxury treatment center in Mali...
Was timing of Eagles ESPN piece a 'warning shot' to Jalen Hurts?

The NFL world was abuzz Wednesday morning with anESPN piece that detailed the rift between Jalen Hurts and the Eagles' offensive operation,including head coach Nick Sirianni, wide receiver A.J. Brown and multiple offensive coordinators.

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The bottom line? Hurts' new coordinator, Sean Mannion, will force him out of his comfort zone, and if he's not on board with that, the Eagles may reevaluate the quarterback position next offseason.

Something else caught the eye of Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio: the timing.

"I mean, just think if that report had landed at 6 a.m. Eastern on Monday," Florio said on Thursday's edition of "Yahoo Sports Daily." "It would have dominated the conversation (at theNFL spring meetings). Nick Sirianni would've been bombarded with questions at the coaches' breakfast on Monday. Howie Roseman, the GM, would've been asked about it.

"… I think this was a warning shot calculated by the Eagles."

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Hurts was named Super Bowl MVP after guiding the Eagles to a championship in the 2024 season, and he was a second-team All-Pro in the 2022 season, which resulted in another Super Bowl trip. But his unique skill set and reported resistance to change have presented challenges in both designing and executing the offense, especially in the Eagles' underwhelming title defense last season.

Florio pointed out that the way Philadelphia structuredHurts' $255 million extensionin 2023 meant he's been "essentially untouchable" the past couple years because of the dead money charge moving on from him would require. That dead money charge, however, drops to $67 million next offseason, still a high figure but not one that would preclude a franchise that views itself as a contender from making difficult decisions like changing the starting quarterback.

"I think by next year, [the Eagles] are in a position where if they have to do something, they will," Florio said.

Mannion comes from the Sean McVay tree and promises to incorporate pre-snap shifts and motion, as well as playing more from under center. The ESPN story noted in particular how Hurts doesn't like to do that because he doesn't like to turn his back to the defense. It also mentioned how he routinely changes plays instead of executing the offense as it's called.

It seems like the time for that is over — at least if Hurts wants to remain the Eagles' starting quarterback long into the future.

"He's on notice," Florio said. "… If you don't start doing what the team wants you to do, it will be in a position as of next year to consider its options at the position."

Was timing of Eagles ESPN piece a 'warning shot' to Jalen Hurts?

The NFL world was abuzz Wednesday morning with anESPN piece that detailed the rift between Jalen Hurts and the Eagles...
Mickelson pulls out of the Masters, which will be without Lefty and Woods for first time since 1994

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Three-time champion Phil Mickelson withdrew from the Masters on Thursday, citing a personal health matter with his family that kept him out of all but one of the five LIV Golf events this year.

Associated Press

"Unfortunately I will not play in the Masters Tournament next week and will be out for an extended period of time as my family continues to navigate a personal health matter," Mickelsonpostedon social media.

Tiger Woods said Tuesday he was taking an indefinite leaveto seek treatment after his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence in a Feb. 27 crash in Florida.

It will be the first time neither Woods nor Mickelson will be at the Masters since 1994, when Woods was a senior in high school and Mickelson had broken his leg while skiing earlier that year.

Mickelson called the Masters "definitely the most special week of the year," and his record reflects that. He won his first major at Augusta National in 2004, the last player to win the Masters by one shot with a birdie putt on the 72nd hole.

He also won in 2006 and in 2010, one of only eight players to win the Masters at least three times.

Mickelson has not shared details of the personal family matter. He sat out LIV's four events to start the year and returned in South Africa two weeks ago, tying for 48th in the 57-man field.

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"It's just fun to be back playing," he said in South Africa.

The only other time Mickelson missed the Masters was in 2022, when he tooka leave of absence after inflammatory remarks as the Saudi-funded LIV Golf was preparing to launch.

Mickelson accused the PGA Tour of "obnoxious greed" in a Golf Digest interview. In an interview with author Alan Shipnuck for his book on Mickelson, he dismissed Saudi Arabia's human rights record and the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reshape the PGA Tour.

The remarks cost him corporate sponsorships. Mickelson joined LIV later that year.

The Masters starts April 9 with a 91-man field, with one spot still available if the winner of this week's Texas Open is not already eligible.

AP golf:https://apnews.com/hub/golf

Mickelson pulls out of the Masters, which will be without Lefty and Woods for first time since 1994

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Three-time champion Phil Mickelson withdrew from the Masters on Thursday, citing a personal health m...
Judge dismisses Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni

A federal judge in New York tossed out actor Blake Lively'ssexual harassment claimsThursday against actor Justin Baldoni over their roles in the movie "It Ends With Us," but he left intact two retaliation claims, which will let a jury hear many of the allegations anyway.

CBS News

The 152-page ruling by Judge Lewis J. Liman in Manhattan came after Lively sued Baldoni in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment among more than a dozen claims against Baldoni and other parties.

A trial is scheduled to start on May 18. A brief phone conference was conducted after Liman issued his ruling. On the call, lawyers discussed the process of jury selection for the trial.

Baldoni, who directed the movie and co-starred opposite Lively, has denied the sexual harassment claims.

Baldoni and his production company Wayfarer Studios had countersued for $400 million against Lively and her husband, "Deadpool" actor Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of defamation and extortion. The judgedismissed Baldoni's claimslast June.

In his ruling, Liman determined that Lively was an independent contractor rather than an employee. On that basis, he said she was not entitled to bring sexual harassment claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. That law prohibits employment discrimination on various grounds, including gender.

In an analysis of the sexual harassment claims, the judge said Lively's claims had to be viewed in the context of the movie they were working on.

"Lively claims that during filming, Baldoni leaned in and gestured as if he was intending to kiss her, and that he kissed her forehead, rubbed his face and mouth against her neck, put his thumb to her mouth and flicked her lower lip, caressed her, and leaned into her neck, saying 'it smells good,'" the judge wrote.

He said there was no question that the conduct would support a hostile work environment claim if it happened on a factory floor or in an executive suite.

However, the judge noted, Baldoni was "acting in the scene."

"Assuming he was improvising, the conduct was not so far beyond what might reasonably be expected to take place between two characters during a slow dancing scene such that an inference of hostile treatment on the basis of sex would arise. At least in isolation, the conduct was directed to Lively's character rather than to Lively herself," he wrote.

"Creative artists, no less than comedy room writers, must have some amount of space to experiment within the bounds of an agreed script without fear of being held liable for sexual harassment," Liman added.

Despite those findings, the judge said some sexual harassment claims may be put to a jury to support two retaliation claims that survived the ruling, including one against It Ends With Us Movie LLC and Wayfarer Studios, and a third claim that was left intact, alleging breach of a contract rider agreement against It Ends With Us Movie LLC.

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The judge noted that Baldoni once said "pretty hot" after asking Lively to remove her jacket, exposing a lace bra underneath, and that when he was warned that it was inappropriate and distracting to make such comment, he allegedly rolled his eyes and responded: "Sorry, I missed the sexual harassment training."

Liman also cited a scene in which Baldoni pushed for Lively to perform a birth scene naked and then the scene was filmed over several hours without the set being closed to nonessential personnel.

Attorneys for Baldoni said in a statement to CBS News that they're "very pleased" the court dismissed the sexual harassment claims, stating they were "very serious allegations."

"What's left is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defense to the remaining claims in court," attorneys Alexandra Shapiro and Jonathan Bach said in a statement.

An attorney for Lively said in a statement to CBS News that the case "has always been and will remain focused on the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Lively's reputation because she stood up for safety on the set and that is the case that is going to trial."

"For Blake Lively, the greatest measure of justice is that the people and the playbook behind these coordinated digital attacks have been exposed and are already being held accountable by other women they've targeted," said Sigrid McCawley, an attorney for Lively. "She looks forward to testifying at trial and continuing to shine a light on this vicious form of online retaliation so that it becomes easier to detect and fight."

In February 2025, Livelyalleged in an amended complaintthat Baldoni made other women uncomfortable on the set of "It Ends with Us."

"It Ends With Us," an adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling 2016 novel that begins as a romance but takes a dark turn into domestic violence, wasreleased in August 2024, exceeding box office expectations with a $50 million debut. But the movie's release was shrouded by speculation over discord between Lively and Baldoni.

Lively appeared in the 2005 film "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" and the TV series "Gossip Girl" from 2007 to 2012 before starring in films including "The Town" and "The Shallows."

Baldoni starred in the TV comedy "Jane the Virgin," directed the 2019 film "Five Feet Apart" and wrote "Man Enough," a book challenging traditional notions of masculinity.

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Judge dismisses Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni

A federal judge in New York tossed out actor Blake Lively'ssexual harassment claimsThursday against actor Justin...
Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni tossed out but robust case remains

NEW YORK (AP) — Blake Lively'ssexual harassment claimsagainst Justin Baldoni over the movie "It Ends With Us" were dismissed Thursday by a federal judge who left intact three claims, including retaliation, that will let a jury hear many of the allegations anyway.

Associated Press

The written ruling by Judge Lewis J. Liman in Manhattan came after Lively, who starred in and produced the film, sued her co-star and director in December 2024. A trial is scheduled for May 18.

Baldoni and his production company Wayfarer Studios had countersued Lively and her husband, "Deadpool" actor Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of defamation and extortion. The judge dismissed Baldoni's claims last June.

In his ruling, Liman determined that Lively was an independent contractor rather than an employee. On that basis, he said she was not entitled to bring sexual harassment claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. That law prohibits employment discrimination on various grounds, including gender.

As to retaliation, the judge said some evidence might enable a jury to conclude that Baldoni's production company planned not only to damage Lively's reputation but to destroy her career amid fear she'd file a discrimination claim. Lively alleges a smear campaign has been "devastating for her reputation and career," the judge noted.

In an analysis of the sexual harassment claims, the judge said Lively's claims had to be viewed in the context of the movie they were working on.

"Lively claims that during filming, Baldoni leaned in and gestured as if he was intending to kiss her, and that he kissed her forehead, rubbed his face and mouth against her neck, put his thumb to her mouth and flicked her lower lip, caressed her, and leaned into her neck, saying 'it smells good,'" the judge wrote.

He said there was no question that the conduct would support a hostile work environment claim if it happened on a factory floor or in an executive suite.

However, the judge noted, Baldoni was "acting in the scene" and his "conduct was not so far beyond what might reasonably be expected to take place between two characters during a slow dancing scene such that an inference of hostile treatment on the basis of sex would arise. At least in isolation, the conduct was directed to Lively's character rather than to Lively herself."

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Liman added: "Creative artists, no less than comedy room writers, must have some amount of space to experiment within the bounds of an agreed script without fear of being held liable for sexual harassment."

Despite those findings, the judge said some sexual harassment claims may be put to a jury to support two retaliation claims that survived the ruling, including one against It Ends With Us Movie LLC and Wayfarer Studios, and a third claim that was left intact alleging breach of a contract rider agreement against It Ends With Us Movie LLC.

The judge noted that Baldoni once said "pretty hot" after asking Lively to remove her jacket, exposing a lace bra underneath, and that when he was warned that it was inappropriate and distracting to make such comment, he allegedly rolled his eyes and responded: "Sorry, I missed the sexual harassment training."

Liman also cited a scene in which Baldoni pushed for Lively to perform a birth scene naked and then the scene was filmed over several hours without the set being closed to nonessential personnel.

In a statement, Lively attorney Sigrid McCawley wrote that Lively "looks forward to testifying at trial and continuing to shine a light on this vicious form of online retaliation so that it become easier to detect and fight."

She added: "This case has always been and will remain focused on the devasting retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Lively's reputation because she stood up for safety on the set and that is the case that is going to trial."

A lawyer for Baldoni and his production company did not immediately comment.

"It Ends With Us," an adaptation ofColleen Hoover's bestselling 2016 novelthat begins as a romance but takes a dark turn into domestic violence, was released in August 2024,exceeding box office expectationswith a $50 million debut. But the movie's release was shrouded by speculation over discord between Lively and Baldoni.

Lively appeared in the 2005 film "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" and the TV series "Gossip Girl" from 2007 to 2012 before starring in films including "The Town" and "The Shallows."

Baldoni starred in the TV comedy"Jane the Virgin,"directed the 2019 film "Five Feet Apart" and wrote "Man Enough," a book challenging traditional notions of masculinity.

Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni tossed out but robust case remains

NEW YORK (AP) — Blake Lively'ssexual harassment claimsagainst Justin Baldoni over the movie "It Ends With Us...
Geno Auriemma against WNBA draft age change: 'Women's basketball would suffer'

PHOENIX –UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemmawould not be a fan of any potential WNBA rule change that would allow players to join the league sooner.

USA TODAY Sports

NBA players must be at least 19 years old during the calendar year of the draft. However, the WNBA requires any player drafted to be at least 22 years old in the year theWNBA drafttakes place. The player must also have no remaining college eligibility or renounce any remaining eligibility. International players must be at least 20 years old on the year the draft takes place. Auriemma says changing the WNBA's rule would not be good for the league or college basketball.

"I think it would be a really bad rule. I'm not saying they need to stay four years. I've coached players, (who) after their freshman year, they would be able to handle it," Auriemma told the media Thursday ahead of the Final Four.

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More:Geno Auriemma blasts NCAA over 'frustrating' Sweet 16, Elite Eight setup

<p style=Michigan State's Rashunda Jones (1) walks off the court following a second-round game in the NCAA women's basketball tournament between the Oklahoma Sooners and Michigan State Spartans at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Okla., Sunday March 22, 2026.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Denae Fritz #5 of the Texas Tech Lady Raiders reacts after a game against the LSU Tigers in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 22, 2026 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Forward Hannah Stuelke #45 of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts after a double overtime loss to the Virginia Cavaliers in the second round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 23, 2026 in Iowa City, Iowa. Forward Hannah Stuelke #45 of the Iowa Hawkeyes hugs her mother after the double overtime loss to the Virginia Cavaliers in the second round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 23, 2026 in Iowa City, Iowa. Chance Gray #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Kennedy Cambridge #3 sit on the bench as time runs down in the fourth quarter of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Second Round game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Jerome Schottenstein Center on March 23, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. Notre Dame defeated Ohio Sate 83-73. Head coach Krista Gerlich of the Texas Tech Lady Raiders reacts during the second half of a game against the LSU Tigers in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 22, 2026 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Snudda Collins #0 of the Texas Tech Lady Raiders reacts during the second half of a game against the LSU Tigers in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 22, 2026 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. <p style=Kamy Peppler #1 of the Green Bay Phoenix reacts against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the third quarter during the First Round of the Women's NCAA Tournament at Williams Arena on March 20, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Phoenix 75-58.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Audi Crooks #55 of the Iowa State Cyclones reacts during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament against the Syracuse Orange at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on March 21, 2026 in Storrs, Connecticut. The Vermont women's basketball team starters consoled each other as the Caramounts lost to Louisville at the 2026 NCAA Women's March Madness basketball tournament at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Kentucky, March 21, 2026. Rhode Island Rams head coach Tammi Reiss gives a hug to Rhode Island Rams guard Sophia Vital (15) in the waning moments of the Rams' loss to Alabama in the 2026 NCAA Women's March Madness basketball tournament at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Kentucky, March 21, 2026. Comari Mitchell #5 of the Jacksonville Dolphins reacts during the second half of the game against the LSU Tigers in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 20, 2026 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Bailey Burns #11 of the Jacksonville Dolphins exits the court after the game against the LSU Tigers in first round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 20, 2026 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

March Sadness hits hard in the Women's NCAA basketball tournament

Michigan State's Rashunda Jones (1) walks off the court following a second-round game in theNCAA women's basketballtournament between the Oklahoma Sooners and Michigan State Spartans at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Okla., Sunday March 22, 2026.

"I do think women's basketball would suffer in that you wouldn't get the recognition around the country that Azzi Fudd has if you're in college one year, okay? If Sarah (Strong) would have left after last year, you wouldn't have that continued (chance to watch) her grow, and she would go to the WNBA. Great for her. Great opportunity for her. But a bad opportunity 'cause you're not going to replace her with somebody equal."

Auriemma says women's basketball would be "diminished" if players only completed one year of college play before moving on to the pro level. He also said very few players would be able to do as some baseball players do and be a pro right out of high school.

Auriemma even joked he likes the way football requires players to wait, saying you wouldn't send a college freshman or sophomore to play against "grown men" who would "break you in half." The UConn coach eventually said if a change was going to be made, the "baseball model" would be his preference.

"I do think there's benefits for them to grow," Auriemma said. "Now with the money they're making, you got pros wanting to come back to college."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:UConn coach Geno Auriemma against potential WNBA draft age rule change

Geno Auriemma against WNBA draft age change: 'Women's basketball would suffer'

PHOENIX –UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemmawould not be a fan of any potential WNBA rule change that would...
Jamie Lee Curtis Shares Heartbreak Over Friends Rob and Michele Reiner's Death on Daughter Annie's Birthday

Jamie Lee Curtis grew emotional when she revealed that her oldest daughter Annie welcomed her first baby in December, days after their family's close friends Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner were killed

People Jamie Lee Curtis and her daughter Annie on Oct. 12, 0222; Michele Reiner and Rob ReinerCredit: CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty; Jim Spellman/WireImage

NEED TO KNOW

  • Curtis is married to Christopher Guest, a close collaborator of Rob Reiner's; Curtis said Rob and Michele were godparents to Annie

  • Rob and Michele's son Nick was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with his parents' deaths

Jamie Lee Curtiswas especially close withRobandMichele Reiner, who were godparents to her daughter Annie. While appearing on the most recent episode ofMichelle Obamaand Craig Robinson'spodcastIMO,the Oscar winner became emotional when discussing how her friends were killed on Annie's birthday.

During the interview, theFreakier Fridayactress, 67, who's married toChristopher Guest, revealed that her older daughter Annie, 39,welcomed a baby back in December, a week after the Reiner deaths.

"Their baby boy was born in December, and it was a week after Rob and Michele [died], and Rob and Michele are her godparents," Curtis said through tears. "They died on her birthday. My beautiful daughter, who loved them as we all did, managed to be able to metabolize that grief and sadness … [and then] brought their son into this world a week later."

Rob and Michele werewere found dead inside their Los Angeles homeon Dec. 14. The couple's sonNick, 32, wasarrestedthat same night andcharged with two counts of first-degree murderin connection with their deaths.

On the podcast, Curtis described the series of events for her family in December as "life on life's harshest terms and life on life's most beautiful, perfect terms."

Jamie Lee Curtis and Annie Guest on Oct. 11, 2022Credit: Jon Kopaloff/Getty

Curtis and Guest, who have been married since 1984, sharedaughtersAnnie and Ruby. As Curtis revealed on Instagram in 2019, her familyhosted Annie's weddingto husband Jason Wolf at their home in Los Angeles. (The couple's younger daughter Ruby also got married to her partner Kynthia at Curtis and Guests' home; Curtisofficiatedthe 2022 ceremony.)

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Curtis' husband Guest famously worked with Rob on his impactful 1984 mockumentaryThis Is Spinal Tap. The pair reunited for a sequel to the cult comedy,Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, which released in September 2025, just months before the filmmaker's death.

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Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner on March 30, 2019Credit: Amanda Edwards/WireImage

In the immediate aftermath of Rob and Michele's deaths in December, Curtis told PEOPLE in a statement that she and her husband were "numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends."

"Our ONLY focus and care right now is for their children and immediate families and we will offer all support possible to help them," she wrote at the time.

In addition to Nick, who remains incarcerated more than three months after his parents' deaths, Rob and Michelesharedson Jake, 34, and daughter Romy, 28. Rob was also a father to daughter Tracy, whom he adopted during his first marriage to Penny Marshall.

Read the original article onPeople

Jamie Lee Curtis Shares Heartbreak Over Friends Rob and Michele Reiner's Death on Daughter Annie's Birthday

Jamie Lee Curtis grew emotional when she revealed that her oldest daughter Annie welcomed her first baby in December, da...
Louis C.K. making Netflix comeback with standup special, LA show

Louis C.K.is returning to Netflix years after he was embroiled in theMe Too movement.

USA TODAY

The 58-year-old comedian's upcomingheadlining showat the Hollywood Bowl, a new addition to theNetflix Is a Joke Festlineup, was announced on Thursday, April 2.

The standup set will take place Tuesday, May 5, toward the beginning of the streaming giant's weeklong schedule that's jam-packed with hundreds of comedy events across Los Angeles starring the likes ofJerry Seinfeld,Larry David,Kevin HartandSteve Carell. Tickets go on sale April 6 at 10 a.m. PT.

C.K.'s standup special, "Ridiculous" – for which he will also receive directing and executive producing credits – will come out this summer.

Louis C.K. performs during the 2025 New York Comedy Festival at the Beacon Theatre on Nov. 14, 2025, in New York City.

The same day as C.K.'s set, Hart, Seinfeld, Katt Williams, David Letterman and John Mulaney, Ilana Glazer and Ramy Youssef, Nicole Byer and Jim Gaffigan are among the dozens of performers also taking the stage across LA County. Shane Gillis,who also landed in hot waterover past comments widely viewed as racist and more recent jokes deemed offensive, is also part of the lineup, hosting "a blockbuster night of comedy" at the Bowl on May 4.

Tony Hinchcliffe, who faced widespread backlash in 2024for calling Puerto Ricoa "floating island of garbage" and making otherremarks deemed as racistat a rally for then president-electDonald Trump, will do a live recording of his "Kill Tony" podcast at Inglewood's Intuit Dome on May 7 as part of Netflix is a Joke.

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C.K., whose shelf is lined with a number of Grammy and Emmy Awards, was exposed for sexually harassing behavior in a 2017New York Times reportin which five women alleged the comedian had exposed himself and masturbated in front of them. The allegations followed a few years ofreports about the comedian's inappropriate behavioraround women, which he had steadfastly denied at the time.

After the Times' article was published, C.K. issueda contrite response, acknowledging the accusations were "true" and saying, "The power I had over these women is that they admired me. And I wielded that power irresponsibly."

Within a year of the comedian vowing to "step back and take a long time to listen," he was on tour and selling out several shows. He addressed the allegations in the 2020 standup special "Sincerely Louis C.K.," and at one point explained, "Men are taught to make sure the woman is OK. The thing is, women know how to seem OK when they're not OK. So you can't just look at her face and be like, 'Her eyes are dry, we're fine. Let's just keep going.'"

In July, he went on the road with hisRidiculous comedy tour, which took him across North America, and to Europe, India, Thailand, Hong Kong and Japan.

Contributing: Marco della Cava, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Louis CK Netflix standup special announced years after allegations

Louis C.K. making Netflix comeback with standup special, LA show

Louis C.K.is returning to Netflix years after he was embroiled in theMe Too movement. The 58-year-old comedi...
Chiefs add defensive back Kaiir Elam after trading Trent McDuffie and losing Jaylen Watson

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — TheKansas City Chiefssigned Kaiir Elam on Thursday to provide some help at defensive back, where they traded 2023 All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie and lost fellow starter Jaylen Watson in free agency.

Associated Press

The 24-year-old Elam was the 23rd overall pick of the Buffalo Bills in the 2022 draft, but the former Florida star has largely failed to live up to expectations. He split last season between the Cowboys and Titans and has 114 tackles, two interceptions and three fumble recoveries in 19 starts and 43 games covering his first four seasons in the league.

The Chiefs announced the deal with Elam, but the terms were not immediately available.

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Kansas City has veteran Kristian Fulton and youngsters Nohl Williams and Kevin Knowles on the roster. The addition of Elam takes some of the pressure off selecting a cornerback early in the draft, where the Chiefs have two first-round selections.

AP NFL:https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Chiefs add defensive back Kaiir Elam after trading Trent McDuffie and losing Jaylen Watson

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — TheKansas City Chiefssigned Kaiir Elam on Thursday to provide some help at defensive back, where...
Daniel Craig

Fans have been eagerly awaiting the next James Bond film. Recently, a report dropped the identity of the new 007. However, social media went nuts when it turned out to be an April Fool's prank.

Fans react to James Bond casting prank

Euro Newsreleased a prank article unveiling the fresh face for the upcoming James Bond film. The report claimed that Irish actress and singer Jessie Buckley has been roped in to play a female James Bond. They further added that Tom Hiddleston will be playing the first Bond boy, known as Fitty McCrotch. Meanwhile, M will be portrayed by Gillian Anderson.

An Amazon spokesperson told the outlet, "We're distancing ourselves from the previous stance held by franchise head Barbara Broccoli, who said that Bond should only be played by a man." They continued, "We're thrilled to have Jessie Buckley on board. Additionally, her initials are also 'JB', so that's delightful." The individual added how her "singing background makes her the ideal candidate for the project." This is because they have "been thinking of adding some musical numbers into the mix."

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The spokesperson addressed the gender switch. They said, "It's about time that we shook things up, because most audiences would rather drink wasps (shaken and stirred) than see another cookie cutter version of Bond." They explained, "Daniel Craig was an inspired casting choice, and he showed how the character could be updated and enriched over his tenure in the role." However, during the casting process, they "realised that trying to follow in his footsteps was a fool's errand." As such, they decided to opt for a radical new interpretation, one which will doubtlessly spark discussion.

While fans were excited, the report was an April Fool's prank. Netizens gave their reactions under thepost, with one saying, "Nice try." Another one said, "Good thing it's an April fool's joke. But Euronews wished it wasn't…" A third user commented, "Wish it wasn't April fools. Plenty women have worked in espionage and resistance networks. It might draw a larger audience."

Originally reported by Ritika Singh onMandatory

The postJames Bond Fans Fooled by Casting Prank: 'Nice Try'appeared first onReality Tea.

James Bond Fans Fooled by Casting Prank: ‘Nice Try’

Fans have been eagerly awaiting the next James Bond film. Recently, a report dropped the identity of the new 007. However, social media we...
QB Kirk Cousins reportedly signs with Raiders ahead of team likely taking Fernando Mendoza with No. 1 pick

Kirk Cousins' time as an NFL starter isn't over just yet. The 37-year-old reportedly signed a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, his agent announced Thursday.

Yahoo Sports

With the move, Cousins could open the season as the team's starter as it prepares presumptive No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza to eventually take over.

Cousins, himself, confirmed the news with a simple three-word post on X:

"The Autumn Wind" is a poem adapted for the Raiders back in 1974, written by NFL Films co-founder Steve Sabol.

Cousins will reportedly sign a one-year, fully-guaranteed $20 million deal with the Raiders, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal is far more complex than that, but essentially works out to be a one-year deal.

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The move reunites Cousins with new Raiders coach Klint Kubiak, who was Cousins' quarterbacks coach and eventual offensive coordinator when the two were with the Minnesota Vikings. Cousins reportedly had interest from ahandful of other teams, including the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams, but ultimatelyopted to join Kubiak in Las Vegas, per The Athletic.

The news comes a day after Mendoza — who the Raiders are expected to select with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft — had his pro day. The Cousins signing likely isn't a commentary on how the Raiders felt about Mendoza's performance at his pro day, as Kubiak has talked about his preference fornot using a rookie starter immediately, per NFL.com.

"Ideally, you don't want him to start from Day 1," Kubiak said Tuesday. "You'd love him to be able to learn behind somebody. That's in a perfect world. It doesn't always work out that way. Sometimes they have to play from Day 1, and it's our job as coaches to get them ready to go. I think it does help the player if they can sit behind a mature adult and watch how they run the show."

That sentiment makes it seems likely Cousins will open the 2026 NFL season as the Raiders' starter. That could change depending on how both players perform in training camp and in the preseason, but Cousins looks to have a leg up on Mendoza for now.

Cousins opened last season in a backup role for the Atlanta Falcons behind Michael Penix Jr. But an injury to Penix opened the door for Cousins to shift back into a starting role down the stretch. In 10 games – eight starts — Cousins threw 10 touchdowns against five interceptions.

After considering his options during the offseason, Cousins ultimately landed with the Raiders. The move could give him one more shot to prove himself as a starting quarterback in the NFL, though it seems unlikely he'll remain in that role for long with Mendoza likely waiting in the wings.

QB Kirk Cousins reportedly signs with Raiders ahead of team likely taking Fernando Mendoza with No. 1 pick

Kirk Cousins' time as an NFL starter isn't over just yet. The 37-year-old reportedly signed a deal with the Las ...
Iowa State star Audi Crooks enters transfer portal

Iowa State star Audi Crooks, the nation's second-leading scorer in 2025-26, is entering the transfer portal.

Field Level Media

The 6-foot-3 center, who has one year of eligibility remaining, announced her plans Thursday on Instagram.

"Thank you all for embracing me and showing up to Hilton every single game day," Crooks, an Iowa native, wrote in a post directed to Cyclone Nation. "I've met so many of you out in the community, and I will cherish all of the genuine connections that I've built during my time at Iowa State.

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"I still believe the grass is greener where you water it, and I've done that here. It's why I want you to hear from me directly that I have decided to enter the portal and explore what it means to take root again in new ground."

Crooks averaged 25.8 points on 64.9% shooting along with 7.7 rebounds in 31 starts this season for the Cyclones, who finished 22-10. Iowa State lost to Syracuse in the first round of the Women's NCAA Tournament despite 37 points from Crooks.

Crooks was a second-team All-American in 2025-26 and a three-time All-Big 12 first-team selection at Iowa State, where she averaged 22.8 points and 7.7 boards in 99 games (95 starts).

--Field Level Media

Iowa State star Audi Crooks enters transfer portal

Iowa State star Audi Crooks, the nation's second-leading scorer in 2025-26, is entering the transfer portal. ...
Photo Credit: Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty Images

Another day, another divorce in the Bravo universe. This time, it'sSai de SilvaofThe Real Housewives of New Yorkwhose husband,David Craig, wants out. He is filing for divorce after nine years of marriage.

David Craig filed for divorce in NYC

Sai De Silva and ex husband

TMZshared that Sai's husband, David just filed for divorce in New York City, according to court records. The couple was still out at events together as recently as late last year.

They met in Costa Rica in 2009. According to Sai, David caught her attention and made her laugh. They began dating but didn't marry until years later.

The couple tied the knot in 2017. They have two children together, a daughter, London, who was born in 2011, and a son, Rio, who was born in 2017, right before the couple exchanged vows.

For the most part, they didn't find themselves in much controversy (as is usually the case with Housewives marriages right before the split). Sai is comfortable in the spotlight, while David is more private. He has barely appeared on Sai's social media over the years, although she has shared that he is very involved as a dad.

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David has appeared a couple of times on RHONY after Sai joined the franchise during acast shakeup rebootduring Season 14. The show iscurrently shooting Season 16, so fans will likely see a bit of what happened with the pair when the newest season airs.

No other details yet on what caused the divorce, but fans know that Sai can be very polarizing. In her time with RHONY, she's exhibited a love-her-or-hate-her kind of energy, and she has been inmore than one feudwithother members of RHONYand other Bravolebrities.

The Real Housewives of New Yorkis streaming on Peacock.

TELL US – WHY DO YOU THINK SAI AND HER HUSBAND ARE SPLITTING UP? DO YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE IN THE UPCOMING SEASON OF RHONY?

The postReal Housewives of New York Star Sai De Silva's Husband Files for Divorceappeared first onReality Tea.

Real Housewives of New York Star Sai De Silva’s Husband Files for Divorce

Another day, another divorce in the Bravo universe. This time, it'sSai de SilvaofThe Real Housewives of New Yorkwhose husband,David Cr...

 

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