Samson Nacua, the brother of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, will not face criminal charges after an investigation concluded he mistakenly took a vehicle belonging to Lakers rookie Adou Thiero. Thiero has decided not to press charges, acknowledging the incident was an accident.
The arrest occurred last month when Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to a report of a stolen car from the 1 Hotel in West Hollywood. Samson Nacua and another man, Trey Rose, were taken into custody, but further investigation revealed that Nacua believed the car was his brother’s SUV. The vehicles are similar in model and color, with Thiero’s car being only about one or two years older.
Investigators from the LASD’s West Hollywood Station told local news outlets that Nacua acted under the misconception that he was taking Puka Nacua’s car. Upon realizing the error, Thiero, the car’s owner, expressed no desire to pursue legal action. The L.A. County Attorney’s Office was subsequently requested to reject the case, effectively clearing Nacua of any charges.
Samson Nacua, 27, is a professional football wide receiver like his younger brother. He played college football at Utah and BYU, accumulating over 1,300 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns over five seasons. After going undrafted in 2022, he has played in the USFL and UFL, most recently being selected by the Birmingham Stallions in this year’s UFL Draft. His career has not been without controversy; last year, he was suspended for one game by the UFL for slapping a fan while playing for the Michigan Panthers.
Adou Thiero, a first-year forward for the Lakers, was drafted 36th overall by the Brooklyn Nets in 2025 before being traded to Los Angeles in a multi-team deal. The 22-year-old has seen limited playing time this season, averaging 1.3 points in 15 appearances. His decision to forgo charges reflects an understanding of the accidental nature of the incident, which authorities have characterized as a case of mistaken identity rather than intentional theft.
The news comes amid a tumultuous period for the Nacua family. Puka Nacua, a Pro Bowl receiver for the Rams, recently faced a $25,000 fine from the NFL for comments criticizing officiating and apologized after promising an antisemitic touchdown celebration on a live stream, stating he was unaware of the gesture’s connotations. These incidents have kept the Nacua name in the headlines beyond the football field.
With no charges filed, Samson Nacua can focus on his upcoming UFL season with the Birmingham Stallions. The resolution underscores how a simple misunderstanding, compounded by similar vehicle appearances, led to a legal situation that was quickly rectified once the facts were established. It also highlights the sports world’s interconnectedness, bridging the NFL, NBA, and spring football leagues in an unusual off-field story.
