Brandon McManus’ tenure with the Washington Commanders has come to an abrupt end. The team announced on Sunday night that they released the kicker following a sexual assault lawsuit filed against him last month.
Accusations and Legal Actions
McManus, who previously played nine seasons with the Denver Broncos, was accused by two women of sexual assault during a charter flight to London for a Jacksonville Jaguars game last season. The lawsuit was filed in Florida, and the women, working as flight attendants on the trip, claimed that McManus and others disregarded personal space, air travel safety, and federal laws.
The women alleged that the flight “quickly turned into a party,” with McManus allegedly trying to recruit other attendants to join, handing out $100 bills to encourage drinking and dancing. One woman stated that McManus attempted to kiss her during turbulence and grinded against her while she served food and drinks. The second woman made similar allegations, saying McManus grinded against her during meal service and “smirked and walked away” when confronted.
McManus’ Response
McManus denied the allegations in a statement through his attorney, expressing gratitude to the Commanders for the opportunity but maintaining his innocence. He asserted that the accusations were false and contradicted by “indisputable evidence and the accusers’ own prior inconsistent statements and omissions.”
In his statement, McManus emphasized his intention to defend his 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,” he said.
Team and Legal Reactions
The Commanders signed McManus on a one-year, $3.6 million deal after his stint with the Jaguars. However, the team decided to release him following the allegations. The Commanders issued a statement acknowledging the lawsuit and emphasizing their commitment to taking such allegations seriously. They noted that they were in communication with the league office and McManus’ representation and would reserve further comment pending the investigation.
The Jacksonville Jaguars were also named in the lawsuit for allegedly failing to supervise McManus and ensure a safe environment for staff. The Jaguars issued a statement confirming that they were looking into the matter.
McManus, who went 30-of-37 on field goals and made all of his extra points with the Jaguars last year, now faces significant challenges in clearing his name and continuing his career in the NFL. The legal process and the serious nature of the allegations could have long-term implications for his professional future.
The Commanders‘ decision to release McManus reflects the NFL’s ongoing efforts to address and respond to allegations of misconduct among its players. As the legal proceedings unfold, McManus’ case will likely continue to draw attention and scrutiny from both the sports community and the public.