Washington Commanders kicker Brandon McManus is not off to the best start with his new team. The former Jacksonville Jaguar now has a lawsuit to deal with, just two months after he signed a one-year, $3.6 million deal with Washington.
McManus has been accused of sexual assault by two women from when he was with the Jaguars last season, via ESPN's Michael DiRocco. The women, who remain anonymous at this time, claim that McManus assaulted them on Jacksonville's overseas flight to London. They specifically mentioned that he rubbed and grinded himself against them, and are seeking over $1 million with a jury trial.
The lawsuit was filed Friday by Jane Doe I and II in Duval County Circuit Civil Court. They also accused Jacksonville of enabling McManus' behavior and not creating a safe environment for the on-flight staff. The women worked as flight attendants on the Jaguars' charter flight on September 28th, 2023.
“Doe I accuses McManus of trying to kiss her while she was seated during a session of turbulence and twice grinding up against her while she was serving the flight's two meal services, per the lawsuit,” DiRocco wrote. “Doe I alleges during the first assault she made eye contact with another Jaguars player, whom she said looked ashamed of McManus' behavior.”
McManus didn't stop there, according to the lawsuit.
“Doe II alleges that McManus grinded up against her while she was serving the flight's second meal service,” DiRocco continued. “Per the lawsuit, Doe II confronted McManus, who “smirked and walked away.” The lawsuit says Doe II remained in the aircraft's second story to avoid McManus on the team's flight from London to Jacksonville on Oct. 8.”
How will this affect McManus and the Commanders as training camp approaches?
The Commanders may need a new kicker, depending on how McManus' case goes
A Washington team representative released a statement on Monday, via Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.
“Earlier today, we were made aware of the civil lawsuit filed on May 24 against Brandon McManus,” said the anonymous spokesperson. “We take allegations of this nature very seriously and are looking into the matter. We have been in communication with the League Office and Brandon’s representation, and will reserve further comment at this time.”
Drew Rosehnaus, McManus' agent, is expected to respond imminently.
McManus, a ten-year veteran, may not last long in Washington, depending on how the front office reacts to the situation. They may feel that the former Denver Bronco isn't worth the risk, even if he's later deemed innocent. Kickers are generally replaceable, and there's no reason to risk the team's reputation over him.
McManus has converted 253 out of 311 field goal attempts in his career, good for 81.3%. He's also made 312 out of 321 PATs (97.2%), amassing 1,071 total points scored.
McManus spent his first nine seasons with Denver, winning Super Bowl 50 with the club before heading to Jacksonville in 2023.
Nobody from the Jaguars has spoken up at this time. If McManus is found guilty, though, the team could be in hot water for not supervising its players' behavior on the plane.
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