Two women are suing kicker Brandon McManus and the Jacksonville Jaguars, alleging that McManus sexually assaulted them during the team’s overseas flight to London last year, according to court documents obtained by ESPN.

The two women, identified as Jane Doe I and Jane Doe II in the lawsuit filed Friday night in Duval County Circuit Civil Court, accuse McManus of inappropriate and unwanted physical contact, including rubbing and grinding against them. They also accuse the Jaguars of failing to supervise McManus and not ensuring a safe environment for staff serving the team.

 

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

“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,” McManus’ attorney, Brett R. Gallaway, said in a statement Monday night. “We intend to aggressively defend Brandon’s rights and integrity and clear his name by showing what these claims truly are—an extortion attempt.”  Brandon Mcmanus

 

Attorney Tony Buzbee, whose firm is representing the two women, said in a statement posted to Instagram on Tuesday that an attempt to settle the case was made before the lawsuit was filed.

Attorney Tony Buzbee, whose firm represents the two women, commented on the case in a statement posted to Instagram on Tuesday. “Our efforts at resolution were met with arrogance, ignorance, and stupidity, strikingly similar to how Deshaun Watson’s team responded when we tried to resolve those cases pre-filing. The allegations made in this lawsuit are very serious. We made sure to fully vet them and speak to witnesses before even taking the cases. We will pursue this case with the same tenacity we are known for,” he wrote in the post.

The Jaguars also acknowledged the lawsuit in a statement released Monday night. “We’re aware of the complaint, and we acknowledge the significance of the claims,” the team said. “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.”  Brandon Mcmanus

 

The Jaguars did not re-sign McManus this offseason; he subsequently signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Washington Commanders on March 14. The Commanders also addressed 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.”  Brandon Mcmanus

 

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. They allege that the flight “quickly turned into a party” as McManus and several other players disregarded the flight attendants’ personal space, air travel safety, and federal law. The lawsuit also claims that McManus recruited three other flight attendants to join the party and handed out $100 bills to encourage them to drink and dance inappropriately for him.  Brandon Mcmanus

 

Doe I accuses McManus of attempting to kiss her during a turbulent flight and twice grinding up against her while she was serving meals. During the first incident, Doe I claims she made eye contact with another Jaguars player who appeared ashamed of McManus’ behavior.

 

Doe II alleges that McManus also grinded against her while she was serving the second meal service. She confronted McManus, who allegedly smirked and walked away. The lawsuit states that Doe II stayed on the aircraft’s second story to avoid McManus on the return flight from London to Jacksonville on October 8.

 

The lawsuit notes that the September flight was the first Jaguars charter flight the two women worked, and they have since experienced severe mental anguish, anxiety, psychological and emotional distress, embarrassment, and humiliation. They have been removed from the core crew that staffs Jaguars charter flights, a position they worked hard to achieve.  Brandon Mcmanus

 

The lawsuit claims that the Jaguars committed gross negligence by failing to properly vet McManus, train him about inappropriate and sexual conduct, supervise him on the flight, implement policies and procedures to protect flight staff from sexual misconduct, and enforce a zero-tolerance policy regarding inappropriate behavior.  Brandon Mcmanus

 

McManus joined the Jaguars on May 5, 2023, after being released by the Denver Broncos. He was given a one-year contract worth $2 million and made 30 of 37 field goal attempts and all 35 extra point attempts last season.