Brandon McManus’ lawyer: Allegations of sexual assault are “an attempt at blackmail”

On Friday, attorney Tony Buzbee filed a lawsuit on behalf of two women who accused former Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus of sexual assault during the team’s flight to London last season. McManus, who signed with the Washington Commanders this offseason, has hired attorney Brett R. Gallaway to represent him.

Galloway released a statement to several media outlets on behalf of McManus, saying the allegations were “absolutely fabricated and demonstrably false and are being made as part of a campaign to defame and vilify a talented and respected NFL player.”

He added that his team intends to “vigorously defend Brandon’s rights and integrity and clear his name by showing what these allegations really are – an extortion attempt.”

The lawyer of Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus (pictured) describes the allegations of sexual assault against his client as “an attempt at blackmail.”

(Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports)

Buzbee had previously posted on Instagram that he and the two women had tried to settle the matter out of court but had failed. He compared the case to Deshaun Watson’s situation.

“We filed the case on Friday, but prior to that we attempted unsuccessfully to resolve the matter without going to trial,” Buzbee wrote. “Our efforts to resolve the matter were met with arrogance, ignorance and stupidity, strikingly similar to the response from Deshaun Watson’s team when we attempted to resolve these cases prior to filing.”

“The allegations made in this lawsuit are very serious. We thoroughly reviewed them and spoke to witnesses before we even accepted the cases. We will pursue this case with the same tenacity we are known for. It is a shame that this type of behavior still occurs. It happens far too often. These women were simply trying to do their jobs!”

The Jacksonville Jaguars also issued a statement to ESPN on the matter.

“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 NFL has not yet commented on the matter. We will update you with further information on the developing situation as it becomes available.