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Kicker Brandon McManus released by management after two flight attendants accused him of sexual harassment

The women accused McManus of sexually harassing them on a Jacksonville Jaguars team flight in September 2023



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Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty

Brandon McManus.

NFL kicker Brandon McManus was released by the Washington Commanders.

On Sunday, June 2, the team confirmed in a message sent to X (formerly known as Twitter) that the 32-year-old McManus was no longer on its roster.

“We have released K Brandon McManus,” was all that was said on the team’s account.

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McManus’s commanders and representatives did not immediately respond when PEOPLE asked for comment.

The news comes after two women filed a lawsuit against McManus and his former team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, on May 24, accusing him of “rubbing” and “pushing” against them during a team flight to London in September 2023, according to ESPN.

“We have nothing to add other than our roster change in which we stated that we have released Brandon McManus from the team,” said Commanders spokesman Sean DeBarbieri NBC News in an email when asked if his release was due to the sexual assault charges.

According to ESPN, the women – who are seeking more than $1 million and a jury trial, according to court documents obtained by the network – were employed as charter flight attendants for Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings at the time of the alleged incident.

The women, identified in the lawsuit as Jane Doe I and Jane Doe II, claim that the team flight “quickly turned into a party” and that McManus, along with several other players, allegedly disregarded the privacy of flight attendants as well as aviation safety and federal laws during the flight.



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Justin Edmonds/Getty

Brandon McManus.

According to the newspaper, the lawsuit accused the Jaguars of “failing to supervise” the athlete and “failing to provide a safe environment for team personnel.”

One woman claimed McManus tried to kiss her while she was sitting during the turbulence, and the other woman said the kicker “grinned and walked away” after she confronted him about his inappropriate touching.

McManus’ attorney Brett R. Gallaway said in a statement to ESPN on May 27 that the allegations were “completely fabricated” and part of an “extortion attempt” against his client.

“These are absolutely fabricated and demonstrably false allegations made as part of a campaign to defame and vilify a talented and respected NFL player,” the statement continued.



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James Gilbert/Getty

Brandon McManus.

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The Jaguars organization had previously stated in a statement to ESPN: “We are aware of the complaint and recognize the significance of the allegations. As we continue to investigate the matter, it must be emphasized that we insist on an organization built by people who represent our community and our game with the highest character and class.”

The outlet stated that McManus, who also previously played for the Denver Broncos, signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Commanders on March 14.

“We were notified earlier today of the civil lawsuit filed against Brandon McManus on May 24. We take allegations of this nature very seriously and are investigating the matter,” the team previously said in a statement to ESPN.

“We have communicated with the league office and Brandon’s representative and will refrain from further comment at this time,” the commanders added at the time.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to Rainn.org.

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