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Last May, two women filed a lawsuit accusing former Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus of sexual assault during the team’s flight to London for an Oct. 8, 2023 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
Now comes word that lawsuit has been dismissed after Michael S. Sharrit, a Florida circuit court judge, granted a motion from McManus’ legal team.
ESPN’s Michael DiRocco obtained court documents and relayed the findings.
“Judge Michael S. Sharrit granted a motion from McManus’ attorney Tuesday by ruling that per Florida law the two women’s use of pseudonyms — Jane Doe I and Jane Doe II — does not meet ‘exceptional case’ criteria required to warrant party anonymity. Sharrit also wrote that ‘fairness requires Plaintiffs be prepared to stand behind their charges publicly in the same way Defendant McManus must openly refute them.'”
However, Judge Sharrit also noted that the women have 10 days to use their proper names in the lawsuit via an amended complaint. And Tony Buzbee, who is representing both women, told ESPN that they plan to follow through.
“Most defendants in sexual assault cases file these types of motions thinking that the victims won’t proceed if they have to publicly reveal their names,” Tony Buzbee stated to ESPN.
“We anticipated this ruling. To be clear, these women have no intention to run and hide, and will comply with the court’s order in a timely fashion. We look forward to continuing to pursue this important case.”
McManus’ attorney, Brett Gallaway, released a statement following the news.
“We are very pleased with the court’s order in connection with Mr. McManus’ motion to dismiss these baseless allegations. We look forward to him returning to the NFL playing field as soon as possible.”
The initial lawsuit was filed on May 28 in Duval County Circuit Civil Court. The women are seeking in excess of $1 million and demanded a jury trial.
DiRocco provided further details of the allegations.
“Doe I accused McManus of trying to kiss her while she was seated during some flight turbulence and twice grinding up against her while she was serving the flight’s two meal services, per the lawsuit. Doe I claimed during the first assault she made eye contact with another Jaguars player, whom she said looked ashamed at McManus’ behavior.
“Doe II claimed McManus grinded up against her while she was serving the flight’s second meal service. Per the lawsuit, Doe II confronted McManus, who ‘smirked and walked away.’ The lawsuit claimed Doe II remained in the aircraft’s second story to avoid McManus on the team’s flight from London to Jacksonville on Oct. 8.”
Gallaway rejected the allegations in a statement last May, per Jaclyn Hendricks of the New York Post.
“These are absolutely fictitious and demonstrably false allegations made as part of a campaign to defame and disparage a talented and well-respected NFL player,” Gallaway said. “We intend to aggressively defend Brandon’s rights and integrity and clear his name by showing what these claims truly are — an extortion attempt.”
At the time the lawsuit was filed, McManus had left the Jaguars for the Washington Commanders. On June 2, the Commanders released McManus.
The 33-year-old McManus has kicked in the NFL for 10 seasons. He spent his first nine years with the Denver Broncos.