NFL star describes ‘tense’ flight where ex-teammate ‘sexually assaulted staff’

FORMER Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus has been branded an embarrassment by an ex-teammate after being hit with a lawsuit for alleged sexual assault.

The U.S. Sun has been in contact with a current member of the Jaguars roster, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, about the alleged event on an overseas flight to London last year.

McManus, per court documents obtained by ESPN on Monday, has been accused by two women flight attendants of rubbing and grinding himself against them.

They also accuse the NFL team of failing to create a safe environment for the airplane staff and want $1 million in damages and a jury trial.

INTEGRITY QUESTIONED

In a statement released on Monday evening, McManus, who was cut by the team during the off-season and signed a $3.6 million deal with the Washington Commanders in March, was backed by his attorney.

“These are absolutely fictitious and demonstrably false allegations, made as part of a campaign to defame and disparage a well-respected NFL player,” said Brett R. Gallaway.

“We intend to aggressively defend Brandon’s right and integrity and clear his name by showing what these claims truly are – an extortion attempt.”

However, one of McManus’ former teammates saw the incident and claimed the kicker was out of order and crossed the line.

The unnamed star said he was “surprised” the story didn’t come out sooner considering there were several witnesses on the Atlas Air Worldwide charter flight on September 28, 2023.

The lawsuit claims the trip “quickly turned into a party” and that McManus and other players showed little regard for the attendant’s personal space.

McManus is accused of passing out money in return for the women drinking and dancing for him, with one of the defendants claiming the 32-year-old tried to kiss her.

She also said he was grinding up against her during meal service, before “smirking” when confronted about his actions.

“Some people think that their definition of ‘fun’ is one way, but others think it’s not ‘fun’ to do certain things, and to behave in a bad way or cross the line of respect towards women,” the unnamed NFL player told The U.S. Sun.

“You can’t behave like it happened, we have to set a good example for people and for everyone around, fans, workers, and everybody else.”

SHAMEFUL BEHAVIOR

He claims many of the shocked Jaguars team were “embarrassed” by McManus, and their hearts went out to the women affected.

“You could tell that the vibe and the whole situation was making things tense and very weird,” he continued.

“His deal didn’t get extended, obviously we all knew the main reason when that happened.”

The women, according to the lawsuit, have suffered mental anguish following the incident and have not been taken off the staff lists for future Jaguars flights.

The NFL franchise, meanwhile, has also been accused in the legal papers of gross negligence by failing to educate McManus about inappropriate and sexual contact with flight staff.

“You want people that are respectful and that represent the team, and the franchise in the best way,” said the source.

“But there were many of my teammates who were embarrassed and didn’t feel comfortable with that kind of situation, which is completely understandable.”

McManus married his wife Nadia in 2016 after meeting in college.

The couple has three children together.

The U.S. Sun has contacted the NFL and the Jaguars for comment, but is yet to hear back.