The NFL has concluded its investigation into allegations against free-agent kicker Brandon McManus, determining that there is insufficient evidence to warrant any disciplinary action.
The case began earlier this year when McManus was accused by two women of sexual assault during a charter flight to London in 2023, when he was still a player for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The allegations were first made public through a lawsuit filed in May 2024, claiming inappropriate conduct during a team-sponsored trip.
Initial Allegations and Fallout
The allegations quickly drew attention, prompting the NFL to initiate its standard review under the league’s personal conduct policy. McManus, who joined the Washington Commanders as a free agent after his stint with the Jaguars, faced significant scrutiny. The lawsuit stated that the incidents occurred on an international flight, with the women alleging inappropriate physical contact and unwanted advances from McManus during the trip.
In response to the growing controversy, the Commanders released McManus in June 2024, just months after signing him. The release was attributed to the “serious nature” of the accusations, according to team sources. While the Commanders did not explicitly link his release to the lawsuit, it was widely speculated that the team was distancing itself from the ongoing legal and league investigation.
NFL’s Investigation and Decision
The NFL launched its own inquiry shortly after the lawsuit surfaced, conducting interviews and gathering any available evidence to determine if McManus violated its personal conduct policy. This review process is standard procedure for the league whenever allegations of misconduct are made against its players, whether or not there are criminal charges.
After several months of investigation, the NFL announced on September 30, 2024, that it found no grounds for disciplinary action against McManus. According to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, the league could not substantiate the allegations based on the evidence available, leading to its decision not to penalize McManus.
What’s Next for McManus?
With the NFL’s decision to drop the matter, McManus remains a free agent and is now eligible to sign with any team. The 33-year-old kicker, known for his reliable leg, spent the first nine years of his career with the Denver Broncos before a brief tenure with the Jaguars. His career statistics include making 81.4% of his field goals and 97.2% of his extra-point attempts, making him a valuable addition for teams seeking a veteran kicker.
While this decision may clear the path for his potential return to the NFL, McManus’s reputation has undoubtedly been impacted by the allegations. Moving forward, it remains to be seen if any team will be willing to bring him onboard amid the lingering controversy.