LOCAL ATHLETES

UFL Suspends Former Utah, BYU WR Samson Nacua For Slapping Fan

Apr 29, 2025, 4:08 PM | Updated: May 1, 2025, 9:06 am

The UFL has issued punishment for former Utah and BYU wide receiver Samson Nacua, who is currently playing for the Michigan Panthers, after he was videoed slapping a fan in the face during an altercation following the Panthers’ loss against the St. Louis Battlehawks last Sunday.

Following the incident, an investigation was launched by the league, which resulted in a one-game suspension for the wide receiver, as well as community service.

RELATED: Samson Nacua Slaps Fan Following Week Five Game, UFL Launches Investigation

UFL Suspends Samson Nacua

The punishment from the league will involve missed action as well as UFL-mandated service.

In a press release from the UFL, the league said, “The suspension, which will begin this weekend with the Panthers’ game against the DC Defenders on Sunday, May 4, was announced by UFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Daryl Johnston.

As part of the suspension, Nacua has agreed to participate in community service events to be arranged by the league, which will be determined later this season.”

Samson Nacua is playing in his second season with the Michigan Panthers.

Through five games in 2025, Samson has 116 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Samson Nacua Slaps Fan After Verbal Altercation

The video that came out shows Nacua and Michigan CB Adonis Alexander engaging with a fan behind the sideline.

Nacua was in front of and below the fan, who was bending over the railing to talk with the players. After exchanging words with the fan, Nacua reached up and appeared to slap the fan across the face.

About Samson Nacua

The Provo, Utah native played the first four seasons of his college career at the University of Utah. After playing for the Utes from 2017-20, Nacua transferred to BYU for his final collegiate season.

During his lone season with the Cougars, Nacua had 21 catches for 329 yards and three touchdowns. He also had seven carries for 29 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Nacua finished his college career with 103 receptions for 1,344 yards and 15 total touchdowns.

After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Nacua signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent. However, he didn’t make it to the regular season as he was released during final roster cuts.

He went on to play with the USFL’s Pittsburgh Maulers and UFL’s Michigan Panthers before returning to the NFL with the New Orleans Saints in August 2024.

 

Tanner Tripp is a sports writer for KSL Sports covering all teams across the state of Utah. Follow him on X @tanner_tripp and Instagram @tanner.tripp here.
Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for KSLSports.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

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