Washington Commanders Release Kicker Brandon McManus Amid Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Brandon McManus then-#10 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during training at Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla., on July 27, 2023. James Gilbert/Getty Images

NFL kicker for the Washington Commanders, Brandon McManus, has been released amid sexual assault allegations made against him.

The team took to social media on June 2 to announce the 32-year-old was no longer on the roster stemming from a newly filed lawsuit.

“We have released K Brandon McManus,” read the post.

The suit was filed on May 24 in Duval County Circuit Civil Court by two women accusing Mr. McManus of sexual assault during his tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023.

The women, identified as Jane Doe I and Jane Doe II, accused him of “rubbing himself” and “grinding against” them while on a team flight to London in September of that year.

The women, who were employed as charter flight attendants at the time of the alleged incident, also accuse the Jaguars of failing to supervise Mr. McManus and failing to create a safe environment for team staff.

“The NFL’s failure to properly address this undeniable culture of sexual harassment and violence against women led to the preventable and disgraceful sexual misconduct towards Plaintiffs at the hands of Defendant Brandon McManus,” read the suit.

Jane Doe I accuses Mr. McManus of trying to kiss her while seated during a session of turbulence and grinding up against her on two separate occasions. Jane Doe II claims that Mr. McManus grinded up against her while she was serving the flight’s second meal service.

They are seeking more than $1 million in damages and a jury trial, claiming the flight “quickly turned into a party” as Mr. McManus and several other players allegedly disregarded the women’s personal space, air travel safety, and federal law.

The plaintiffs’ attorney, Tony Buzbee, who represented women in a sexual assault case against NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson, said in a statement that his firm attempted to settle the matter without litigation.

“Our efforts at resolution were met with arrogance, ignorance and stupidity, strikingly similar to how Deshaun Watson’s team responded when we tried to resolve those cases pre-filing.”

He continued that his firm does not take the allegations likely, adding the witnesses were fully vetted and interviewed. “We will pursue this case with the same tenacity we are known for. 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!”

Mr. McManus, who started his NFL career a decade ago, was signed to a one-year, $3.6 million deal with The Commanders back in March.

In wake of the filing, The Commanders quickly spoke out saying they are looking into the matter as they “take allegations of this nature very seriously”.

Meanwhile, the Jaguars echoed that statement, saying they too are aware of the complaint while “acknowledging the significance of the claims.”

“As we continue to look into the matter, it bears emphasizing that we insist on an organization built by people who represent our community and game with the highest character and class,” read the Jaguars’ statement.

In response, Brett Gallaway, attorney for Mr. McManus, vehemently denied the allegations on his client’s behalf.

“While we are disappointed with the team’s decision to release Brandon before he had the opportunity to defend against these 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,” he continued.

The Epoch Times has reached out to representatives of both parties for further comments.