ASHBURN, Va., — Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn said the team was not aware of sexual assault allegations against kicker Brandon McManus when it signed him in free agency and did not learn about them until end of last month.
Washington released McManus on Sunday night, seven days after learning of a lawsuit filed against him by two women who claimed he sexually assaulted them during a flight to London last season when he played for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Women worked as flight attendants.
The Commanders had signed McManus to a one-year, $3.6 million contract on March 14. The lawsuit, which seeks $1 million from McManus, was filed May 24 in Duval County Circuit Civil Court.
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Quinn said he first learned of the allegations on May 27. She declined to comment further about McManus because the situation remains “under investigation.” Quinn said he discussed with his players the need to communicate situations that the team needs to be aware of because, he said, “that type of communication allows you to find some solutions,” although he said that was not specific to McManus. ‘ situation.
McManus’ attorney, Brett R. Galloway, has maintained his client’s innocence.
When asked if the organization’s history influenced McManus’ release, Quinn said: “There is nothing we can comment on. There is an ongoing investigation.”
The organization was fined $10 million in July 2021 after an NFL investigation found evidence of a toxic work culture under former owner Dan Snyder. There were also accusations of sexual harassment.
Snyder was accused of sexual misconduct by a former team employee and fined $60 million after a 17-month investigation by attorney Mary Jo White. His findings supported claims that the Commanders hid income they were supposed to share with other teams. White also confirmed claims that Snyder had sexually harassed former employee Tiffani Johnston.
A group led by Josh Harris purchased the team from Snyder in July 2023.
Washington signed Ramiz Ahmed on Monday to replace McManus, but could consider other kickers before and during training camp. Ahmed has been with the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, but has yet to play in an NFL game. Ahmed was 10 of 13 from the field for Birmingham in the UFL this spring. Two years ago he made 14 of 22 attempts with Pittsburgh in the UFL.
“It’s also times like this that guys get their opportunity and when they get it, a lot of times, people have been waiting for that opportunity, that moment,” Quinn said of Ahmed.
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