Commanders release Brandon McManus after allegations of sexual assault

NFL

From Christian Arnold

Brandon McManus was released by the Commanders.

The team announced the move Sunday night, less than a week after two flight attendants accused the NFL kicker of sexual assault.

McManus signed a one-year deal with the Commanders in March after spending the first nine years of his career in Denver and the 2023 season with the Jaguars.

“Brandon would like to thank the Washington Commanders for the opportunity to be part of the organization,” McManus’ attorney Brett R. Gallaway said in a statement. “We reiterate, however, that the allegations against Brandon are and remain absolutely false and, importantly, are refuted by incontrovertible evidence and the accusers’ previous contradictory statements and omissions.”

“While we are disappointed in the team’s decision to release Brandon before he had the opportunity to defend himself against these trumped-up allegations, we will vigorously defend and clear Brandon’s name and reputation through the legal process. We intend to rebut these allegations, fully exonerate him, and look forward to seeing him back on the field where he belongs.”

McManus’ contract was set at $3.6 million for this season.

The Commanders currently have no other kicker in their squad.

McManus was accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit filed against him and the Jaguars after he allegedly tried to rub himself against the women during the flight from Jacksonville to London on September 28 of last season.

The lawsuit was filed last month in Duval County Civil Court. The two women say they suffered “severe mental anguish, anxiety, psychological and emotional distress, embarrassment and humiliation.” They are reportedly seeking more than $1 million in damages.

In a statement following the public announcement of the lawsuit last week, the Commanders said they had been informed of the legal action and were taking the matter seriously.

“We take allegations of this nature very seriously and are investigating the matter. We are in contact with the league office and Brandon’s representative and will refrain from making any further comment at this time,” the team statement said.

In a statement last week, Gallaway called the allegations “completely fabricated and demonstrably false” and claimed they were an attempt to “degrade” the veteran football player.

“We intend to vigorously defend Brandon’s rights and integrity and clear his name by showing what these allegations really are – an extortion attempt,” Gallaway said.

The incident reportedly occurred during the flight to London for the Jaguars’ game against the Falcons at Wembley Stadium.

According to the lawsuit, the flight “quickly turned into a party,” and it is alleged that McManus recruited three other flight attendants and tried to entice them to drink and dance inappropriately for him.

The first woman also claimed that McManus attempted to kiss her while she was seated during turbulence on the plane and rubbed himself against her twice during two meals on the flight.

The second woman claimed in the lawsuit that McManus rubbed himself against her during the second meal and when she confronted him about it, he “grinned and walked away.”

McManus converted 81.1 percent of his kicks and all 35 of his extra point attempts with the Jaguars in 2023.

The team decided not to re-sign him after last season.