Washington needs a new kicker
McManus released, Washington will have kicker tryouts during OTAs this week:
We have released K Brandon McManus
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 2, 2024
The Commanders will hold their third OTA period this week. Dan Quinn will address the McManus decision with the media on Wednesday.
Washington currently has no kicker on the roster. Would imagine that’s rectified asap.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 2, 2024
Statement from Brandon McManus’s attorney, Brett Gallaway: pic.twitter.com/sYwfDFGD6w
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 3, 2024
Attorney for the accusers says they tried to resolve the matter without litigation before filing on Friday:
Anthony Buzbee, the lead attorney for the two women suing Brandon McManus, posted this on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/z7MQe0SEaW
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) May 28, 2024
Brandon McManus’s lawyer calls the lawsuit an extortion attempt:
Statement from Brett R. Gallaway, who’s representing K Brandon McManus: pic.twitter.com/8iuWv38kjJ
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) May 28, 2024
The Jaguars issue a statement about the lawsuit:
Statement from Brett R. Gallaway, who’s representing K Brandon McManus: pic.twitter.com/8iuWv38kjJ
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) May 28, 2024
Jaguars statement on the lawsuit against K Brandon McManus and the club: pic.twitter.com/xc2LpNsa1M
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) May 28, 2024
The Washington Commanders signed kicker Brandon McManus to a 1-year, $3.6 million contract in March, moving on from Joey Slye. McManus spent the previous season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
He is now facing a civil lawsuit from two flight attendants that worked on the team’s plane for their trip to London last season. McManus is accused of trying to kiss one of the accusers and grinding up against the other. The Jaguars are also being sued in the $1 million lawsuit.
NFL kicker McManus accused of sexual assault – via @ESPN App https://t.co/TzhdH8nKvn
— John Keim (@john_keim) May 27, 2024
According to the lawsuit, the two women worked as flight attendants on the Jaguars’ Sept. 28, 2023, Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings charter flight. They allege the flight “quickly turned into a party” as McManus and several other players disregarded the flight attendants’ personal space, air travel safety and federal law. The lawsuit also claims that McManus recruited three other flight attendants to the party and passed out $100 bills to encourage them to drink and dance inappropriately for him.
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. Doe I alleges during the first assault she made eye contact with another Jaguars player, who she said looked ashamed of McManus’ behavior.
Doe II alleges that McManus grinded up against her while she was serving the flight’s second meal service. 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.
The Washington Commanders released this statement after the story broke:
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, We have been in communication with the League Office and Brandon’s representation, and will reserve further comment at this time.
Washington just changed kickers, but they could be looking to find another one very soon. The team issued their mandatory statement, but will likely move quickly if the accusations are credible. New special teams coordinator Larry Izzo could be holding tryouts soon.