Commanders release kicker Brandon McManus after sexual assault allegations

The Washington Commanders are moving on from kicker Brandon McManus who is being accused of sexual assault by two flight attendants. The team announced the news on Sunday night, a little over a week after the lawsuit was filed in Duval County in Jacksonville, Florida.

McManus signed with the Commanders in March after spending the 2023 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The alleged incident happened when McManus was with the Jaguars last year when the team was traveling to London for an international game in September. The first woman accused McManus of attempting to kiss her while she was performing her duties on the Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings charter flight. The second woman confronted McManus when he grinded up against her. She avoided seeing the veteran kicker again by working on the second floor of the plane.

“These are absolutely fictitious and demonstrably false allegations made as part of a campaign to defame and disparage a talented and well-respected NFL player,” McManus’ attorney, Brett R. Gallaway, said in a statement last week, per ESPN. “We intend to aggressively defend Brandon’s rights and integrity and clear his name by showing what these claims truly are — an extortion attempt.”

Jaguars coach Doug Pederson shared his thoughts on McManus’ situation. “I saw the article that came out. Obviously disappointing to hear the news that took place,” Pederson said. “Other than that honestly being that it’s a legal matter at this time, I can’t really comment until more information is gathered.”

The Commanders took the allegations against Brandon McManus ‘very seriously’

Before releasing McManus, the Commanders commented on the allegations. “Earlier today, we were made aware of the civil lawsuit filed on May 24 against Brandon McManus. We take allegations of this nature very seriously and are looking into the matter,” the Commanders said in a statement at the time. “We have been in communication with the League Office and Brandon’s representation, and will reserve further comment at this time.”

Before signing with the Jaguars in 2023, McManus spent nine seasons with the Denver Broncos. He was a member of the team that won the Suoer Bowl during the 2015 season. In his career, McManus has made 161 field goals on 253 ateempts and has scored 1,071 points. He scored 946 points with the Broncos which ranks second in team history behind Jason Elam who has 1,786.