Sexual assault lawsuit against former Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus dismissed by judge | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

Last May, two women filed a lawsuit accusing former Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus of sexually assaulting her during the team’s flight to London for an Oct. 8, 2023 game against the Buffalo Bills.

Now comes news that the lawsuit has been dismissed after Florida District Court Judge Michael S. Sharritt granted the motion filed by McManus’ legal team.

“Judge Michael S. Sharrit granted McManus’s attorney’s motion Tuesday, ruling that under Florida law, the use of pseudonyms by the two women — Jane Doe I and Jane Doe II — did not meet the ‘exceptional case’ criteria required to guarantee the anonymity of the party. Sharrit also wrote that ‘fairness requires that plaintiffs be prepared to publicly defend their allegations in the same way that defendant McManus must openly rebut them.’”

However, Judge Sharrit also noted that the women have 10 days to use their names in the lawsuit via an amended complaint. And Tony Buzbee, who represents both women, told ESPN they plan to do so.

“Most sexual assault defendants file these types of motions thinking that victims won’t take action if they have to publicly name their victims,” Tony Buzbee told ESPN.

“We expected this ruling. Let me be clear, these women have no intention of running away or hiding, and they will comply with the court’s order in due course. We look forward to continuing this important case.”

McManus’ attorney, Brett Gallaway, issued a statement following the news.

“We are very pleased with the court’s order regarding Mr. McManus’ motion to dismiss these baseless allegations. We look forward to having him back on an NFL field as soon as possible.”

The first lawsuit was filed May 28 in Duval County Circuit Civil Court. The women are seeking more than $1 million and have requested a jury trial.

DiRocco provided further details of the allegations.

“Doe I accused McManus of trying to kiss her while she was seated during a turbulent flight and of brushing against her twice while she was serving two meals on the plane, according to the lawsuit. Doe I alleged that during the first attack, she made eye contact with another Jaguars player, who she said appeared embarrassed by McManus’ behavior.

“Doe II alleged that McManus brushed against her while she was serving a second meal on the plane. According to the lawsuit, Doe II confronted McManus, who ‘smiled evilly and walked away.’ The lawsuit alleged that Doe II remained on the second floor of the plane to avoid McManus during the team’s Oct. 8 flight from London to Jacksonville.”

According to Jaclyn Hendricks of the organization, Gallaway denied the allegations in a statement last May. New York Post.

“These are absolutely fictitious and demonstrably false allegations made as part of a campaign to defame and discredit a talented and respected NFL player,” Gallaway said. “We intend to aggressively defend Brandon’s rights and integrity and clear his name by exposing these claims for what they really are — an extortion attempt.”

At the time of the lawsuit, McManus had left the Jaguars for the Washington Commanders. On June 2, the Commanders released McManus.

McManus, 33, has played in the NFL for 10 seasons, spending the first nine with the Denver Broncos.