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TheWashington Commanders have released kicker Brandon McManus following a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault. McManus, who signed a one-year, $3.6 million deal with the team in March, now finds his NFL future in jeopardy as he faces serious allegations from his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The lawsuit, filed in Florida, alleges that McManus sexually assaulted two flight attendants during a charter flight to London for the Jaguars' game against the Atlanta Falcons last season. According to the plaintiffs, the flight quickly turned into a chaotic party where McManus and others disregarded safety protocols and laws. The women claim McManus tried to kiss one of them during turbulence and grinded against both while they were performing their duties.
McManus has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them "absolutely fictitious and demonstrably false." His lawyer, Brett R. Gallaway, condemned the claims as part of an extortion attempt to tarnish McManus' reputation. Gallaway promised an aggressive defense to clear McManus' name and expose the lawsuit as baseless.
Jaguars and Commanders respond to allegations
The Jacksonville Jaguars have also been implicated in the lawsuit for allegedly failing to supervise McManus and neglecting to ensure a safe environment for their staff. The team has stated that they are investigating the matter thoroughly and taking the allegations seriously.
The Commanders, in response to the allegations, emphasized their commitment to maintaining the integrity of their organization. Their decision to release McManus underscores their zero-tolerance policy towards such accusations and their intent to uphold ethical standards.
With McManus now a free agent, the Commanders are expected to find a new kicker soon.