The Washington Commanders have released veteran kicker Brandon McManus amid sexual assault allegations from two women who claimed he assaulted them during a flight to London while he was with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season. The women alleged that McManus rubbed and grinded against them on the flight, and threw $100 bills at them in exchange for dancing inappropriately, turning the flight into a party. One of the women said McManus tried to kiss her and walked away when confronted, while another claimed a Jaguars teammate appeared ashamed of his behavior. The women stated they suffered mental anguish, anxiety, and humiliation as a result of the incidents.
The lawsuit filed by the two flight attendants also named the Jacksonville Jaguars, accusing the team of failing to supervise McManus or provide a safe environment. The Jaguars issued a statement acknowledging the significance of the claims and emphasized their commitment to building an organization with people of the highest character and class. The Washington Commanders also released a statement saying they take allegations of this nature seriously and are looking into the matter. McManus’ attorney refuted the claims, calling them “absolutely fictitious” and part of a campaign to defame and disparage the NFL player.
Brandon McManus, who previously won a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos during his nine seasons there, joined the Jaguars in 2023 and hit 30 out of 37 field goal attempts. He was expected to be the Commanders’ starting kicker this season, but the team will continue practice sessions without a kicker on their roster following his release. The Commanders and McManus’ attorney are working with the league office to investigate the allegations further. McManus’ attorney stated they intend to aggressively defend his rights and integrity to clear his name from what they believe to be an extortion attempt to tarnish his reputation.
The Commanders and Jaguars have both responded to the lawsuit, with the Commanders acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations and the Jaguars stating they are looking into the matter further. The allegations put McManus’ career and reputation at risk as he faces claims of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior towards the flight attendants. Despite McManus’ denial of the allegations, the situation casts a shadow over his career in the NFL and his future prospects within the league. The legal battle ensuing from the lawsuit has the potential to have serious consequences for all parties involved.
The allegations against Brandon McManus have raised concerns about player behavior and accountability within the NFL, as teams are called upon to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals associated with the organization. The impact of the lawsuit and the subsequent actions taken by the Commanders and Jaguars will likely have far-reaching effects on how similar situations involving allegations of misconduct are handled in the future. The case also highlights the importance of thorough investigations and due process in cases of alleged sexual assault, as both the accusers and the accused are entitled to a fair and impartial review of the facts.
Ultimately, the release of Brandon McManus by the Washington Commanders and the ongoing legal battle resulting from the allegations of sexual assault have significant implications for all parties involved. McManus’ future in the NFL, the reputation of the Commanders and Jaguars, and the broader conversation around player conduct and accountability in professional sports are all at stake. As the investigation continues and more information comes to light, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and what impact it will have on the individuals and organizations involved in the controversy.
