The Washington Commanders announced they have released veteran kicker Brandon McManus amid allegations of sexual assault by two women during his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season.
McManus was expected to be the Commanders' starting kicker this season, but they will continue their voluntary practice sessions Monday without one on their roster.
Last month, two flight attendants filed a lawsuit alleging that McManus sexually assaulted them on a flight to London while he was with the Jaguars.
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Brandon McManus of the Jacksonville Jaguars is shown during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on December 17, 2023. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
The women, who were not identified, said McManus rubbed and grinded against them during the flight. The women are also suing the Jaguars because they said the team failed to supervise McManus or create a safe environment for them.
The lawsuit alleges that McManus threw $100 bills at the women in exchange for them dancing inappropriately as the flight “quickly turned into a party.”
One of the women said McManus “smiled and walked away” after she confronted him, while the other woman said one of the Jaguars teammates seemed embarrassed by McManus' behavior when she made eye contact with him during their first alleged assault.
BRANDON MCMANUS'S LAWYER REFUTES CLAIMS THAT HE SEXUALLY ASSAULTED 2 WOMEN: 'ABSOLUTELY FICTIONAL'
The lawsuit says McManus tried to kiss one of the women.
Both women said they suffered severe mental anguish, anxiety, psychological and emotional distress, embarrassment and humiliation, according to the lawsuit.
The Jaguars issued a statement after the lawsuit was filed: “We are aware of the complaint and recognize the importance of the claims. As we continue to investigate the matter, it is worth emphasizing that we insist on an organization built by people who represent our community and play with the greatest character and class.
Brandon McManus of the Jacksonville Jaguars leaves the field after the game against the Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston on Nov. 26, 2023. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The commanders did too.
“Today we learned of the civil lawsuit filed on May 24 against Brandon McManus. We take allegations of this nature very seriously and are investigating the matter. We have been in communication with the League office and Brandon's representation, and we will be reserving more comments at this time.”
McManus' attorney, Brett R. Gallaway, told ESPN that his client vehemently denies the two flight attendants' claims.
“These are absolutely fictitious and demonstrably false allegations made as part of a campaign to smear and disparage a talented and respected NFL player,” Gallaway's statement to ESPN read. “We intend to aggressively defend Brandon's rights and integrity and clear his name by showing what these claims really are: an extortion attempt.”
Brandon McManus of the Jacksonville Jaguars is shown during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on October 8, 2023. (Vincent Mignott/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
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McManus has Super Bowl pedigree, winning one with the Denver Broncos during his nine seasons there. He joined the Jaguars in 2023 and made 30 of 37 field goal attempts.
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