Brandon McManus’ lawyer fires back at sexual assault allegations against Commanders kicker

NFL

By Jaclyn Hendricks

Commanders kicker Brandon McManus has denied the sexual assault allegations lobbied against him in a new lawsuit, with his lawyer calling the claims “absolutely fictitious and demonstrably false” in a statement released Monday night.

Hours after ESPN reported the 32-year-old McManus was at the center of a lawsuit, in which the NFL pro is accused of “rubbing himself against” and “grinding against” two women during a team flight to London in 2023 while a member of the Jaguars, attorney Brett R. Gallaway issued a statement on behalf of his client.

“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,” Gallaway said. “We intend to aggressively defend Brandon’s rights and integrity and clear his name by showing what these claims truly are — an extortion attempt.”

The women, who are also suing the Jaguars, accusing the Jacksonville organization of “failing to supervise McManus,” are seeking more than $1 million in damages, ESPN reported.

The two were flight attendants aboard the Jaguars’ Sept. 28, 2023, Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings charter flight to the U.K. ahead of two international contests last season, claiming in the suit the transport “quickly turned into a party.”

In the suit, filed Friday in Duval County Circuit Civil Court, McManus is alleged to have “recruited three other flight attendants to the party and passed out $100 bills to encourage them to drink and dance inappropriately for him,” ESPN reported.

McManus is also accused in the lawsuit of “trying to kiss” one of the women while she remained in her seat during turbulence, “and twice grinding up against her” as meals were distributed.

The other woman claimed the athlete “grinded up against her” as she served the second meal service, and upon confronting McManus, he “smirked and walked away,” per the suit.

She is said to have “remained in the aircraft’s second story to avoid McManus” on a trip from London to Jacksonville on Oct. 8, 2023.

The women “experienced severe mental anguish, anxiety, psychological and emotional distress, embarrassment and humiliation” in the wake of the apparent ordeal, according to the suit.

The Jaguars, who signed McManus to a one-year deal in May 2023, addressed the matter in a statement Monday.

“We’re aware of the complaint, and we acknowledge the significance of the claims,” the Jaguars said in a statement. “As we continue to look into the matter, it bears emphasizing that we insist on an organization built by people who represent our community and game with the highest character and class.”

McManus is entering his 11th NFL season and his first with the Commanders, with whom he joined in March.

The organization said Monday it is “looking into the matter.”

“Earlier today, we were made aware of the civil lawsuit filed on May 24 against Brandon McManus,” the Commanders said in a statement. “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.”

The Commanders open the season against the Buccanneers in Tampa on Sunday, Sept. 8.

If you have been sexually assaulted and live in New York, you can call 1-800-942-6906 for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the state, you can dial the 24/7 National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673.