Commanders release McManus despite sexual assault charges

The Washington Commanders have released kicker Brandon McManus, the team announced on Sunday.

Two women are reportedly suing McManus and the Jacksonville Jaguars. They claim McManus sexually harassed them during a charter flight to London last year while playing for the team. The women said he rubbed and ground himself against them.

A Commanders spokesman said last Monday that the team takes “allegations of this nature very seriously.” The spokesman added that the club has spoken with McManus’ agent and the NFL office about the lawsuit.

McManus denied the allegations in a statement through his agent and called the lawsuit an extortion attempt, according to ESPN’s Michael DiRocco.

Washington signed McManus to a one-year deal in March. He spent the first nine years of his career with the Denver Broncos before landing with the Jaguars in 2023.

The Jaguars also issued a statement last Monday saying they were aware of the lawsuit and the “significance of the claims.”

“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 Jaguars said.

Washington does not have another kicker on its roster.