Brandon McManus charged with sexual assault

Washington Commanders kicker Brandon McManus is off to a bad start with his new team. The former Jacksonville Jaguar now has to deal with a lawsuit just two months after signing a one-year, $3.6 million contract with Washington.

Two women from his time with the Jaguars last season have accused McManus of sexual harassment, according to ESPN’s Michael DiRocco. The women, who are currently remaining anonymous, claim McManus assaulted them on Jacksonville’s overseas flight to London, specifically mentioning him rubbing and grinding against them, and are now seeking over $1 million in damages in the form of a jury trial.

The lawsuit was filed Friday by Jane Doe I and II in Duval County Circuit Court Civil Court. They also accused Jacksonville of enabling McManus’ conduct and failing to provide a safe environment for cabin crew. The women worked as flight attendants on the Jaguars’ charter flight on September 28, 2023.

“Doe I accuses McManus of attempting to kiss her while she was seated during a period of turbulence and of rubbing himself against her twice while she was serving the flight’s two meals, according to the complaint,” DiRocco wrote. “Doe I claims that during the first attack, she looked into the eyes of another Jaguars player, who she said appeared ashamed of McManus’ behavior.”

According to the lawsuit, however, McManus did not stop there.

“Doe II claims McManus rubbed up against her while she was serving the second meal of the flight,” DiRocco continued. “According to the lawsuit, Doe II confronted McManus, who ‘grinned and walked away.’ The lawsuit says Doe II stayed on the second floor of the plane to avoid McManus on the team’s flight from London to Jacksonville on October 8.”

How will this impact McManus and the Commanders as training camp approaches?

The Commanders may need a new kicker depending on how McManus’ case turns out

A representative of the Washington team released a statement on Monday via Nicki Jhabvala from The Washington Post.

“We were notified earlier today of the civil lawsuit filed against Brandon McManus on May 24,” the anonymous spokesperson said. “We take allegations of this nature very seriously and are investigating the matter. We have communicated with the league office and Brandon’s representative and will refrain from commenting further at this time.”

A response is expected shortly from Drew Rosehnaus, McManus’ agent.

McManus, a ten-year veteran, may not last long in Washington depending on how management responds to the situation. They may not feel the former Denver Bronco is worth the risk, even if he is later found innocent. Kickers are generally replaceable, and there is no reason to risk the team’s reputation over him.

McManus has converted 253 of 311 field goal attempts for his career, which is 81.3%. He has also converted 312 of 321 field goal attempts (97.2%) and scored a total of 1,071 points.

McManus spent his first nine seasons with Denver, winning Super Bowl 50 with the club before heading to Jacksonville in 2023.

No one from the Jaguars has yet commented, but if McManus is found guilty, the team could find itself in trouble for failing to monitor its players’ behavior on the plane.