Judge dismisses sexual assault charge against free agent NFL kicker

A Florida judge has dismissed a case against NFL kicker Brandon McManus, who alleged he sexually assaulted two women on a team plane to London.

Judge Michael S. Sharrit ruled that under Florida law, the two women’s use of the pseudonyms “Jane Doe I” and “Jane Doe II” does not meet the “exceptional circumstances” criteria required to ensure the party’s anonymity.

Sharrit added that “it is fair that plaintiffs must be willing to publicly stand behind their allegations, in the same way that defendant McManus must publicly refute them.”

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“Most defendants in sexual assault cases file these types of motions thinking that the victims will not move forward if they have to make their names public,” Tony Buzbee said in a statement to ESPN. “We expected this ruling. To be clear, these women have no intention of running and hiding, and will comply with the court’s order in a timely manner. We look forward to continuing to pursue this important case.”

Doe I and Doe II say McManus rubbed and ground himself against them during the flight as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The flight “quickly turned into a party,” the lawsuit alleges, as McManus threw $100 bills at flight attendants in exchange for inappropriate dancing for him.

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McManus “grinned and walked away” after Doe II confronted him. Doe I says one of McManus’ teammates was embarrassed by McManus’ behavior when she made eye contact with him during McManus’ first attack.

The Washington Commanders released McManus shortly after the lawsuit was filed. He remains a free agent.

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McManus was 30-for-37 on field goals in his lone season with Jacksonville last year. He spent his previous nine seasons with the Denver Broncos.

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