NFL
Brandon McManus released by Commanders: how much of his contract was guaranteed?
Kicker McManus and former team the Jacksonville Jaguars are being sued by two women after an alleged sexual assault on a flight to London.
The Washington Commands have announced they have released Brandon McManus after two female flight attendants sued the kicker for allegedly sexually assaulting them on a flight to London last September, when he was still playing for Jacksonville Jaguars.
One of the women claims the 32-year-old tried to kiss her, while both say he grinded and rubbed up against them while they were on duty.
Legal action is also being taken against Jaguars for failing to provide a safe environment for airline staff during the flight, with the two women seeking more than $1 million in damages. Jacksonville were travelling to England to play two international NFL games against the Atlanta Falcons and the Buffalo Bills.
McManus pleads innocence in statement
McManus pleaded his innocence in a statement issued by his attorney on Sunday, which confirmed that he had been released by the Commanders, before a legal ruling had been given.
“We reiterate that the allegations against Brandon are and remain absolutely false and importantly, are contradicted by indisputable evidence and the accusers’ own prior inconsistent statements and omissions,’ read the statement.
“While we are disappointed with the team’s decision to release Brandon before he had the opportunity to defend against these fabricated claims, we will aggressively defend and clear Brandon’s name and reputation through the legal process.
“We intend to defeat these claims, fully exonerate him and look forward to seeing him back on the field where he belongs”.
Brandon McManus’ Commanders salary and signing-on bonus
After nine years with the Denver Broncos, McManus spent the 2023 season with the Jaguars before signing a one-year, $3.6 million deal with the Commanders in March.
The kicker, however, will now not be paid that salary, which was not guaranteed, after his release, while news has come to light regarding his signing-on bonus, which he might have expected to receive upon joining his new team.
A source claims McManus’ contract included a $1.5 million signing-on bonus, with half paid on or before 26 April, and the other half following on or before 7 June.
Despite releasing the player, the Commanders technically owe him the second payment of $750,000, although the likelihood is they will look to get out of handing it over, arguing he should have told them about the potential case before signing.