Sexual assault lawsuit against former Jags player: Flight attendants feared “for their safety”

JACKSONVILLE, Florida. – Former Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus has been accused of sexually assaulting two women during the team’s flight to London last year, according to a lawsuit obtained by News4JAX.

The unidentified women, who worked as flight attendants on Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings’ Jaguars charter flight on September 28, 2023, filed the lawsuit Friday evening in Duval County Civil Court.

According to the lawsuit, McManus, 32, rubbed and ground himself against them during a party atmosphere during the flight.

The lawsuit states that the women “feared for their safety if they attempted to fight with a large, drunk, athletic man.”

According to ESPN, the lawsuit also alleges that McManus recruited three other flight attendants for the party and handed out $100 bills to encourage them to drink and dance inappropriately for him.

“McManus presents himself as a devoted husband and father on social media, but his behavior behind the scenes is consistent with a pattern of sexual assault against women in the NFL,” the lawsuit states.

McManus’ attorney, Brett R. Gallaway, issued a statement to ESPN on Monday evening:

“These are completely fabricated and demonstrably false allegations made as part of a campaign to defame and disparage a talented and respected NFL player. We intend to vigorously defend Brandon’s rights and integrity and clear his name by showing these allegations for what they really are – an extortion attempt.”

The women also accused the Jacksonville Jaguars of failing to adequately supervise McManus and create a safe environment for the staff who assisted the team. They said the team failed to “adequately advise McManus of inappropriate sexual contact with flight crew.”

They are demanding more than a million dollars and a jury trial.

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said this when asked if there was a party atmosphere on the plane. “A normal flight is not like that, it’s a business trip and that’s how we approach it from an organizational standpoint. When I read that, that part was disappointing.”

The Jaguars released the following statement:

We are aware of the complaint and recognize the significance of the allegations. As we continue to investigate the matter, it is important to emphasize that we insist on an organization built by people who represent our community and our game with the highest character and class.

Jacksonville Jaguars

McManus played one season for the Jaguars after spending nine seasons with the Denver Broncos. On March 14, he signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Washington Commanders.