CW: This story incorporates cases of sexual harassment.
On Monday, ESPN’s Michael DiRocco reported that two ladies have accused present Commanders kicker Brandon McManus of sexual assault, and are suing him and the Jacksonville Jaguars for failing to create a secure surroundings for the staff. The 2 ladies are being represented by Tony Buzbee, who additionally represented the ladies who sued Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson.
In accordance with court docket paperwork obtained by ESPN, whereas McManus was a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, he allegedly acted in an inappropriate manner in the direction of two flight attendants on the Jaguars’ Atlas Air Worldwide constitution flight. The 2 flight attendants accuse McManus and different Jaguars gamers of “creating an unsafe surroundings” and disregarded the attendants’ private house and air security legal guidelines. Among the many issues McManus is accused of:
- Recruiting three different flight attendants to their celebration and giving them $100 to encourage them to drink and dance inappropriately.
- Attempting to kiss a flight attendant when she was seated throughout a second of turbulence, and grinding up in opposition to her twice whereas serving meals on the flight.
- The second flight attendant accuses McManus of grinding up in opposition to her after which strolling away. In accordance with the paperwork, when the second attendant confronted McManus about his actions, he “smirked and walked away”.
The lawsuit additionally alleges that the Jaguars dedicated gross negligence by failing to correctly rent McManus, failing to coach him on inappropriate sexual conduct with flight workers, and adopting insurance policies to stop sexual misconduct on flights directed in the direction of flight workers. The Jaguars launched an announcement on Monday night time, saying “We’re conscious of the grievance, and we acknowledge the importance of the claims,” the staff stated. “As we proceed to look into the matter, it bears emphasizing that we insist on a corporation constructed by individuals who signify our group and recreation with the very best character and sophistication.”
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson stated in the present day after Jacksonville’s Tuesday exercise that he came upon about these allegations within the ESPN article that launched, calling the information “disappointing”.
Doug Pederson on Brandon McManus lawsuit. Says report was the primary he is heard of the incident. “Typical flight is a enterprise journey.”
“Efficiency” was purpose for his launch, along with $$.
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— Mia O’Brien (@MiaOBrienTV) Could 28, 2024
McManus was not re-signed by the Jaguars this offseason, and ended up signing a one-year cope with the Washington Commanders. The Commanders had this to say in regards to the lawsuit: “Earlier in the present day, we have been made conscious of the civil lawsuit filed on Could 24 in opposition to Brandon McManus. We take allegations of this nature very critically and are trying into the matter. We have now been in communication with the League Workplace and Brandon’s illustration, and can reserve additional remark at the moment.”
The ladies are looking for an extra of $1 million and demanding a jury trial.
