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Two women have filed a lawsuit against kicker Brandon McManus and the Jacksonville Jaguars, alleging McManus committed sexual assault during the team’s flight to London last year, according to a report from ESPN.
Accusations Against McManus and the Jaguars
The women, identified as Jane Doe I and Jane Doe II in the lawsuit filed in Duval County Circuit Civil Court, claim that McManus rubbed and grinded against them during the flight. They also accuse the Jaguars of not properly supervising McManus and failing to ensure a safe environment for the flight attendants.
The lawsuit seeks over $1 million in damages and demands a jury trial.
McManus’ Defense Statement and Jaguars’ Response
“These are absolutely fictitious and demonstrably false allegations made as part of a campaign to defame and disparage a talented and well-respected NFL player,” McManus’ attorney, Brett R. Gallaway, said in a statement Monday night. “We also intend to aggressively defend Brandon’s rights and integrity and clear his name by showing what these claims truly are — an extortion attempt.”
The Jaguars acknowledged the lawsuit in their own statement.
“We’re aware of the complaint, and we acknowledge the significance of the claims,” the team said. “As we continue to look into the matter, we emphasize that we insist on an organization built by people who represent our community and game with the highest character and class.”
The Jaguars did not re-sign McManus this offseason; he signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Washington Commanders on March 14.
Washington Commanders’ Reaction
“Earlier today, we were made aware of the civil lawsuit filed on May 24 against Brandon McManus. We take allegations of this nature very seriously and are looking into the matter,” the Commanders said in a statement. “We have been in communication with the League Office and Brandon’s representation, and will reserve further comment at this time.”
Incident Details on the Jaguars’ Charter Flight
According to the lawsuit, the two women were working as flight attendants on the Jaguars’ September 28, 2023, Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings charter flight. They allege the flight “quickly turned into a party” with McManus and other players disregarding personal space, air travel safety, and federal law. The lawsuit also claims McManus recruited three other flight attendants to join the party, giving them $100 bills to encourage inappropriate behavior.
Jane Doe I accuses McManus of trying to kiss her during turbulence and grinding against her twice while she was serving meals. She claims that during the first incident, another Jaguars player saw McManus’ behavior and appeared ashamed.
Jane Doe II alleges McManus grinded against her while she was serving the second meal. She confronted McManus, who “smirked and walked away,” according to the lawsuit. Doe II stayed on the aircraft’s second story to avoid McManus on the return flight from London to Jacksonville on October 8.
Impact on Plaintiffs and Accusations of Negligence
The lawsuit states that this was the first Jaguars charter flight the two women worked and that they have since suffered severe mental anguish, anxiety, psychological and emotional distress, embarrassment, and humiliation. They have been removed from the core crew that staffs Jaguars charter flights, a role they had worked hard to achieve.
The lawsuit accuses the Jaguars of gross negligence for not properly hiring, training, or supervising McManus, and for not having adequate policies to protect staff from sexual misconduct.
McManus’ Career and Current Status
McManus signed with the Jaguars on May 5, 2023, after the Denver Broncos released him. The Jaguars gave him a one-year contract worth $2 million, and he made 30 of 37 field goal attempts and all 35 of his extra point attempts last season.
