Washington Commanders management learned enough over the last week about the sexual assault allegations levied against Brandon McManus to find it necessary to cut ties with the veteran kicker.
The Commanders announced their decision in a six-word statement on social media: “We have released K Brandon McManus.”
Brandon McManus’ Lawsuit Details
McManus, who signed with the Commanders this offseason after spending 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, is gone after being accused in a lawsuit of making unwanted sexual advances against two women — including grinding against them without their consent — during a Sept. 2023 Jaguars charter flight to London while McManus was with the team.
The accusers — named Jane Doe I and Jane Doe II in the complaint — also sued the Jaguars for allegedly failing to supervise McManus and create a safe environment. Per ESPN, the women are seeking in excess of $1 million in damages.
After the lawsuit was made public, the Commanders made the following statement: “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.”
McManus’ attorney, Brett Gallaway, called the allegations “absolutely fictitious and demonstrably false,” adding that McManus is the victim of “an extortion attempt.”
The Jaguars added, “We’re aware of the complaint, and we acknowledge the significance of the claims,” in a statement Monday. “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.”
New Commanders Management Makes Move
The McManus situation was the first real stress test for new Commanders ownership, which is only in place because former owner Dan Snyder became simply too toxic for the NFL.
Snyder was coerced into selling after a series of ugly scandals involving him and his underlings. Highly damaging revelations revealed the franchise’s toxic workplace environment for women while Snyder was in charge.
The last thing new owner Josh Harris wants is the stench of sexual misconduct to reinfect the franchise.
“A lot of stuff happened that was unfortunate,” Harris said shortly after buying the team last July. “We’re focused on changing the culture. It’s about creating a management team that doesn’t look the same. It’s about zero tolerance on ethically challenged behavior. When you own a sports team in a city, everyone looks at what you do.
“Everyone who works at the team … they’re a reflection on [the fans]. It’s all about culture. We’re very intentional about culture.”
Options for Washington at Kicker
McManus joined the Commanders on a one-year, $3.6 million contract this offseason, but only $1.5 million of it was guaranteed. That second sum will be the team’s cap hit for McManus’ release unless they recoup some or all of that bonus.
That’s a possibility, should the league determine his behavior violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy. McManus could also face a suspension.
The Commanders currently don’t have a kicker, and they don’t have a ton of great options to replace McManus on the market.
Randy Bullock probably tops the list of best available free agents, but as many as 20 kickers could be cut or traded between now and late August.