ASHBURN, Va., -- Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn said the team was unaware of the sexual assault allegations against kicker Brandon McManus when it signed him in free agency and didn't learn of them until late last month.
Washington released McManus on Sunday night, seven days after it learned of the lawsuit filed against him by two women who claimed he sexually assaulted them during an overseas flight to London last season when he played for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The women were working as flight attendants.
The Commanders had signed McManus to a one-year, $3.6 million deal on March 14. The lawsuit, which seeks $1 million from McManus, was filed on May 24 in Duval County Circuit Civil Court.
Quinn said he first learned of the allegations on May 27. He declined to comment further on McManus because the situation remains "under investigation." Quinn said he did discuss with his players the need to communicate situations the team needs to be aware of because, he said, "that kind of communication allows you to come up with some solutions," though he said that wasn't specific to McManus' situation.
McManus' attorney, Brett R. Galloway, has maintained his client's innocence.
When asked if the organization's history played into McManus' release, Quinn said, "There's nothing we can comment on. There's an investigation that's ongoing."
The organization was fined $10 million in July 2021 after an NFL investigation found evidence of a toxic workplace culture under former owner Dan Snyder. There were sexual harassment allegations as well.
Snyder was accused of sexual misconduct by a former team employee and was fined $60 million after a 17-month-long inquiry by attorney Mary Jo White. Her findings backed claims that the Commanders hid revenue that was supposed to be shared with other teams. White also substantiated 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 look at other kickers before and during training camp. Ahmed has been with the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers but has yet to kick in an NFL game. Ahmed made 10 of 13 field goal attempts for Birmingham in the UFL this spring. Two years ago he made 14 of 22 attempts for Pittsburgh in the UFL.
"It's also moments like this that guys get their opportunity and when they do, a lot of times, people have been waiting for that shot, that moment," Quinn said of Ahmed.