Commanders fire kicker Brandon McManus after two women sued him for sexual assault

Kicker Brandon McManus was released by the Washington Commanders on Sunday after two women sued him for sexual harassment on a transatlantic flight.

Two women who worked as flight attendants on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Sept. 28 flight to London claim in a civil lawsuit that McManus attempted to kiss one of them and rubbed himself against both of them while they attempted to perform their job duties. They are seeking more than $1 million in damages, according to court documents.

In a statement sent to the Associated Press, attorney Brett R. Gallaway said McManus wanted to thank the Commanders for the opportunity to be part of the organization and continued to criticize the lawsuit.

“We reiterate 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,” Gallaway said. “While we are disappointed in the team’s decision to release Brandon before he had the opportunity to defend himself against these fabricated 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, 32, signed with Washington in March after playing last season, his 10th in the NFL, with Jacksonville. The Commanders and Jaguars said earlier this week they were reviewing the situation.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl