Lawsuit Alleges Sexual Assault by NFL Kicker Brandon McManus During Overseas Flight

According to court documents obtained by ESPN, two women, identified as Jane Doe I and Jane Doe II, have filed a lawsuit against NFL kicker Brandon McManus and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The lawsuit alleges that McManus sexually assaulted them during the team’s overseas flight to London last year.

The lawsuit, filed in Duval County Circuit Civil Court on Friday night, accuses McManus of inappropriate behavior, including rubbing himself against the women and grinding on them during the flight. Additionally, the plaintiffs claim that the Jaguars failed to supervise McManus adequately and did not create a safe environment for the staff serving the team.

The plaintiffs are seeking in excess of $1 million in damages and are demanding a jury trial.

In response to the allegations, McManus’ attorney, Brett R. Gallaway, stated, “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. 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 Jacksonville Jaguars also acknowledged the lawsuit in a statement, saying, “We’re aware of the complaint, and we acknowledge the significance of the claims. 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, who was not re-signed by the Jaguars this offseason, signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Washington Commanders on March 14.

The Commanders released a statement regarding the lawsuit, stating, “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.”

According to the lawsuit, the two women worked as flight attendants on the Jaguars’ Sept. 28, 2023, charter flight operated by Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings. The plaintiffs allege that the flight turned into a party atmosphere, with McManus and other players disregarding personal space, air travel safety, and federal law. The lawsuit also claims that McManus recruited other flight attendants to the party and encouraged inappropriate behavior by distributing $100 bills.

Doe I accuses McManus of attempting to kiss her during turbulence and grinding against her twice while she served meals. Doe II alleges that McManus similarly assaulted her during the flight’s second meal service. The lawsuit states that the plaintiffs have suffered severe mental anguish, anxiety, and emotional distress as a result of the alleged assaults.

The plaintiffs further allege gross negligence on the part of the Jaguars for failing to properly hire and train McManus, supervise him during the flight, and enforce policies to protect staff from sexual misconduct.

McManus signed with the Jaguars on May 5, 2023, after being released by the Denver Broncos. He made 30 of 37 field goal attempts and all 35 of his extra point attempts during the previous season.