The Washington Commanders have released kicker Brandon McManus, the team announced Sunday, a little more than a week after he was accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit.
Two women filed suit in Duval County Circuit Civil Court against McManus and the Jacksonville Jaguars. They accused McManus of opposing them while they were serving the team on an international flight to London. They also alleged that the Jaguars failed to supervise McManus and create a safe environment for personnel aboard the flight, according to the lawsuit.
McManus signed a one-year, $3.6 million deal with Washington in March that included a $1.5 million signing bonus. It’s unclear whether Washington will seek to recoup some of the money or cancel remaining payments.
“Brandon would like to thank the Washington commanders for the opportunity to be a part of the organization,” McManus attorney Brett Gallaway said on behalf of the kicker. “However, we reiterate that the allegations against Brandon are and remain absolutely false and, importantly, are contradicted by indisputable evidence and by the accusers’ own inconsistent prior statements and omissions.
“While we are disappointed in the team’s decision to release Brandon before he has had the opportunity to defend himself against these fabricated allegations, we will aggressively defend and clear Brandon’s name and reputation through the legal process. We intend to reject these claims, exonerate him completely and look forward to seeing him back on the field where he belongs.
The Commanders, who will hold their third OTA period this week, have no other kickers on the roster. Last year’s kicker, Joey Slye, signed with the Patriots during the offseason.
A spokesperson for the commanders said Athleticism last week, the team learned of the lawsuit on Monday. Coach Dan Quinn will address the McManus decision with the media on Wednesday.
The two women who filed the complaint worked as flight attendants on the Jaguars’ Sept. 28, 2023, charter flight to London and allege McManus handed out $100 bills to encourage three flight attendants — not including Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe II – woods and dances for him.
Jane Doe I alleged that McManus attempted to kiss her while she was seated during the turbulence. Jane Doe I also alleged that McManus grabbed her around the waist from behind and hit her twice while she was serving meals on the flight, according to the lawsuit.
Jane Doe II alleged in the lawsuit that McManus approached her from behind, grabbed her waist and crushed her while she was serving the second meal on the flight to London. When the woman confronted McManus, he “simply smiled and walked away,” according to the lawsuit. On the team’s return flight to Jacksonville, Jane Doe II remained in the second floor of the plane to avoid McManus, according to the suit.
Jacksonville played back-to-back games in London during the 2023 season. The team hosted the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium on October 1 before facing the Buffalo Bills at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 8.
McManus, 32, spent one season with the Jaguars after the Denver Broncos released him after nine seasons. He made 30 of 37 field goal attempts and all 35 of his extra point attempts last season.
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