In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Washington Commanders have cut ties with kicker Brandon McManus. This was following a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault during his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars last year. The allegations stem from an incident on the Jaguars’ flight to London last season, where two flight attendants claim McManus “rubbed himself against them and grinded against them”.

The lawsuit, filed in Duval County Circuit Civil Court on May 24th, paints a disturbing picture of the charter flight “quickly turning into a party.” According to NBC News, the flight attendants, referred to as Jane Doe I and Jane Doe II, said that McManus allegedly tried to recruit other attendants, even passing out “$100 bills to try to get them to drink and dance for him.”

The first accuser alleged McManus “tried to kiss her while she was seated during turbulence” and “ground up against her twice while she was serving food and drinks.” A second woman reportedly told the outlet that McManus “ground up against her during one of the flight’s meal services.” Upon learning of the complaints, the lawsuit claimed McManus only “smirked and walked away.”

To this, McManus’ attorney Brett R. Gallaway pushed back hard, calling the claims “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 they “intend to aggressively defend Brandon’s rights and integrity and clear his name by showing what these claims truly are – an extortion attempt.”

Released after the 2023 season by the Jaguars, McManus later signed a one-year, $3.6 million deal with the Commanders. But Washington wasted no time in cutting ties with the troubled kicker, issuing a statement that sounded awfully familiar in Ashburn: “We take allegations of this nature very seriously and are looking into the matter.” It’s a bold move that set the stage for a new era in Washington.

Tides turn against Brandon McManus

“Yeah, it kinda sucks that he lost his job before he got a chance to defend himself, but tbh this is the last thing we need to deal with right now after the last 25 years,” quipped one fan perhaps summing up the general feeling of Washington supporters. The Commanders’ decision to cut McManus was met with an outpouring of support by the fanbase on social media, showing just how relieved they are to see that action taken by the team.

The fans anticipated watching a team that values integrity more than anything on the field make the right decision in their opinion. The McManus situation was a bit of a litmus test to the moral standard set for the league, and fans appear delighted with the results. Reactions have ranged from a simple “Good” to the more enthusiastic, “I Love It.”

It’s hit a high note with the fans of a team with a checkered past, echoing the sentiments of one supporter who said, “Swift action. the new regime not playing. #RaiseHail.” Another fan was quick to join in by commenting, “Good step in the forward direction.” As the Commanders set out towards this new era, fans’ support and positivity are needed in great numbers.