Commanders release Brandon McManus amid sexual assault allegations

NFL

By Christian Arnold

Brandon McManus has been released by the Commanders. 

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

McManus had 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 a part of the organization,” McManus’ attorney, Brett R. Gallaway, said in a statement. “However, we reiterate that the allegations against Brandon are and remain absolutely false and importantly, are contradicted by indisputable evidence and the accusers’ own prior inconsistent statements and omissions. 

“While we are disappointed with the team’s decision to release Brandon before he had the opportunity to defend against these fabricated claims, we will aggressively defend and clear Brandon’s name and reputation through the legal process. We intend to defeat these claims, fully exonerate him and look forward to seeing him back on the field where he belongs.”

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

The Commanders do not have another kicker on their roster at the moment. 

McManus was accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit filed against him and the Jaguars after he allegedly attempted to grind against the women during Jacksonville’s flight to London on Sept. 28 last season. 

The suit was filed last month in Duval County Circuit Civil Court, and the two women alleged they suffered “severe mental anguish, anxiety, psychological and emotional distress, embarrassment and humiliation,” and are reportedly suing for more than $1 million in damages. 

In a statement following the public reporting of the suit last week, the Commanders said they were made aware of the legal action and were taking the matter seriously. 

“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,” the team statement read. 

Gallaway called the allegations “fictitious and demonstrably false” in a statement last week, while also claiming it was an attempt to “disparage” the veteran football player. 

“We intend to aggressively defend Brandon’s rights and integrity and clear his name by showing what these claims truly are — an extortion attempt,” Gallaway said.

The incident allegedly 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 alleges that McManus recruited three other flight attendants and tried to get them to drink and dance inappropriately for him. 

The first woman also alleged that McManus attempted to kiss her while she was seated during a period of turbulence on the flight and grinded up against her twice during two meal services on the trip. 

The second woman alleged in the suit that McManus grinded up on her during the second meal service and when she confronted him about it he “smirked and walked away.”

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

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