During the latest episode of The Pivot Podcast released on Friday, Ryan Clark, along with Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder, addressed the ongoing Puka Nacua paternity confirmation case involving Hallie Aiono. Aiono, who is Puka Nacua’s girlfriend, filed a legal petition in Los Angeles County to establish Nacua as the father of her unborn child.
Ryan Clark expressed strong criticism regarding Aiono’s actions, emphasizing loyalty as the central issue in their relationship.
Ryan Clark Criticizes Hallie Aiono’s Loyalty in the Paternity Dispute
Ryan Clark did not hold back his disappointment in Aiono during the podcast discussion. He pointed out that she had only one responsibility, which was to remain loyal.
“If you were in it for the money, you had one job,” the former Pittsburgh Steelers star said. “Y’all were together all over the NFL sites. Everybody’s posting you. It’s a beautiful couple. Whoop-de-doo woo.”
—Ryan Clark, Former NFL Player
“The one job you had was to not have sex with somebody else—just for however long you had to do it. Whether you wanted to get a ring, whether you wanted to get a baby by Puka—all you had to do was wait. And you couldn’t wait.” [19:14]
—Ryan Clark, Former NFL Player
Clark elaborated that if their relationship was rooted in love or aimed at securing a future together, Aiono should have waited before making any decisions that could damage both of their reputations. He suggested that her actions went against what was expected in maintaining trust.
Clark also addressed Puka Nacua directly, sending a pointed message.
“So for Puka—congrats, man,” Ryan Clark said. “I pray that’s not your baby. I hope you don’t have to deal with the decision-making that comes along with knowing someone you trusted did that to you, and now got you on front street.”
—Ryan Clark, Former NFL Player
Details of the Custody Petition Filed by Hallie Aiono
According to reports, Aiono is seeking full physical custody of the child, which would mean the baby lives with her permanently. She is requesting joint legal custody, so both parents can share decision-making responsibilities related to the child’s welfare, including education and healthcare.
The petition also states that Puka Nacua would be allowed visitation rights but would not have the child reside with him. Additionally, Hallie is asking Nacua to cover expenses related to her pregnancy and to contribute to her legal fees associated with the case.
The couple reportedly dated from 2021 until mid-2025 and frequently appeared together at Los Angeles Rams games, with Hallie often showing her support publicly. In May 2025, they announced the pregnancy via social media, sharing a heartfelt post along with a gender reveal.
Hallie filed the paternity confirmation petition on June 16, 2025. Nacua has yet to respond publicly to the legal filing or comment on the situation.
Ryan Clark Reacts to Robert Griffin III’s Remarks on Angel Reese and Related Backlash
In a separate topic discussed on the podcast, Ryan Clark addressed the controversy surrounding Robert Griffin III’s recent comments about WNBA star Angel Reese. Griffin posted on X on Thursday with the intention of condemning racism, but his approach sparked backlash for making the conversation personal.
The situation began when RG3 shared a fan-created image depicting Angel Reese as a monkey on the cover of NBA 2K26, accompanied by a lengthy statement.
On Friday, Ryan Clark criticized RG3 for detracting from the serious issue of racism. Clark tweeted his disapproval:
“RG3 has a strange fascination with Angel Reese, or a connection to that spotlight it brings him… but this one was easy. He posted a graphic I didn’t see anywhere else of Angel as a Monkey. Just say, ‘That’s wrong!'”
—Ryan Clark, Former NFL Player
“He couldn’t. He pointed out that Angel hurt him, & then lied on her to inner circle. RG says you’re wrong if you don’t support people don’t look like you, but you’re also wrong if you never support people that do look like you.”
—Ryan Clark, Former NFL Player
The disagreement between Griffin and Clark dates back to May 2025 when RG3 claimed that Reese harbored animosity toward Clark after a WNBA game. Clark responded by questioning RG3’s understanding of Black women’s experiences, citing RG3’s interracial marriage as a factor in his critique.
Implications and Next Steps in the Puka Nacua Paternity Dispute
The Puka Nacua paternity confirmation case highlights a tense and complicated situation that challenges the personal and public lives of both Nacua and Aiono. With Hallie’s petition seeking full custody and financial support, the outcome could significantly impact both parties’ futures.
Ryan Clark’s vocal condemnation underlines the emotional weight carried by issues of trust and loyalty in relationships connected to public figures, especially within professional sports circles. The case’s progression will be closely followed by fans and commentators alike, as Nacua’s response and any legal rulings will shape the narrative moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Puka Nacua cry?
A. The story is heartfelt: Puka’s dad, Lionel Nacua, passed away from diabetes when Puka was only 11. His father always hoped his son would make it to the NFL. So, whenever Puka gears up to play a game, he remembers his dad and lets his feelings flow.
Q. What is Puka Nacua’s nationality?
A. Nacua’s family background includes Samoan, Hawaiian, and Portuguese roots. Because he was a large baby, he was given the nickname “Puka,” which means fat and chubby in Samoan. He was raised in Provo, Utah, and went to Orem High School in Orem, Utah.
Q. What is Puka Nacua’s ethnicity and race?
A. Early life: Nacua comes from Samoan, Hawaiian, and Portuguese backgrounds. As a baby, he was nicknamed “Puka,” meaning fat and chubby in Samoan.