Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus at the NFLPA Press Conference at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center prior to Super Bowl LVIII. Photo Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Commanders have released kicker Brandon McManus following the public revelation of a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault during his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team announced on Sunday.
Commanders’ Statement on Allegations
McManus signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Commanders this offseason, replacing Joey Slye. On Monday, a Commander’s spokesperson said the team was aware of the allegations and had contacted the NFL and McManus’ representatives.
“We take allegations of this nature very seriously,” the Commanders said.
Under previous owner Dan Snyder, the league investigated Commanders multiple times for a toxic workplace culture and sexual harassment claims, resulting in a $10 million fine. The NFL also fined Snyder $60 million after an inquiry confirmed allegations of sexual misconduct and financial improprieties. He sold the team to a group led by Josh Harris in July 2023.
Details of Sexual Assault Lawsuit
The lawsuit against McManus and the Jaguars, filed by two women identified as Jane Doe I and Jane Doe II, alleges that McManus sexually assaulted them during the Jaguars’ flight to London last year. According to court documents revealed by ESPN, McManus allegedly rubbed and grinded against them. The women also accuse the Jaguars of failing to supervise McManus and ensure a safe environment for flight staff.
Legal Responses from McManus and Plaintiffs
In a statement on Sunday night, McManus, through his attorney Brett R. Gallaway, thanked the Commanders for the opportunity to be part of the organization.
“However, we reiterate that the allegations against Brandon are and remain absolutely false and importantly, are contradicted by indisputable evidence and the accusers’ prior inconsistent statements and omissions. While we are disappointed with the team’s decision to release Brandon before he could defend against these fabricated claims, we will aggressively defend and clear Brandon’s name and reputation through the legal process. We intend to defeat these claims, fully exonerate him and look forward to seeing him back on the field where he belongs.”
The lawsuit, filed on May 24 in Duval County Circuit Civil Court, claims that the women experienced severe mental anguish, anxiety, emotional distress, embarrassment, and humiliation from the incident. They have also been removed from the core crew that staffs Jaguars charter flights, a role they worked hard to achieve.
The women are seeking over $1 million in damages and a jury trial. Gallaway has labeled the claims “absolutely fictitious” and an “extortion attempt.”
Attorney Tony Buzbee, representing the two women, said on Instagram that “before that filing we attempted, without success, to resolve this matter without the need for litigation. They met our efforts at resolution with arrogance, ignorance and stupidity, strikingly similar to how Deshaun Watson’s team responded when we tried to resolve those cases pre-filing. The allegations made in this lawsuit are very serious. We made sure to fully vet them and speak to witnesses before even taking the cases. We will pursue this case with tenacity. It’s a shame that this type of conduct still occurs. It happens far too often. These women were simply trying to do their jobs!”
McManus’ Career Statistics
In his first 10 seasons, nine with the Denver Broncos, McManus made 81.4% of his field goal attempts and 97.2% of his extra points. In 2023 with Jacksonville, he was 30-of-37 on field goals and made all 35 of his extra-point attempts.
