Commanders cut Brandon McManus after sexual assault lawsuit - ESPN

The Washington Commanders released kicker Brandon McManus, days after a lawsuit that was filed against him became public alleging sexual assault from an incident that occurred when he was a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team announced Sunday.

Washington had signed McManus to a one-year, $3.6 million deal this offseason, opting not to re-sign Joey Slye. On Monday, the day ESPN reported the lawsuit, a Commanders spokesperson said the team was aware of the situation and was in contact with the NFL as well as McManus' representation.

«We take allegations of this nature very seriously,» the Commanders said in a statement.

Under previous owner Dan Snyder, Washington was the subject of multiple investigations stemming from a toxic workplace culture that included allegations of sexual harassment. The NFL eventually fined the organization $10 million. Snyder was accused of sexual misconduct by a former team employee and was fined $60 million after a 17-month long inquiry by attorney Mary Jo White. Her findings backed claims that the Commanders hid revenue that was supposed to be shared with other teams. White also substantiated claims that Snyder had sexually harassed former employee Tiffani Johnston.

Snyder sold the team to a group led by Josh Harris in July 2023.

In the lawsuit filed against McManus and the Jaguars, two women allege he sexually assaulted them during Jacksonville's overseas flight to London last year, according to court documents obtained by ESPN.

McManus, through his attorney Brett R. Gallaway, released a statement Sunday night, making sure to first «thank the Washington Commanders for the opportunity to be a part of the organization.

»However, we reiterate that the allegations against Brandon are and