In what seems like the NFL’s version of a courtroom drama with an anticlimactic ending, veteran kicker Brandon McManus has been officially cleared of sexual misconduct charges. The kicker, who was facing a completely casual two civil lawsuits (as if that’s ever minor news), has walked away without so much as a slap on the wrist. Why? Because, according to the NFL, the evidence was about as flimsy as a field goal attempt from 80 yards.
The backstory? Well, buckle up. Two women alleged that McManus engaged in inappropriate physical contact during a Jaguars team flight to London. Yep, a long-haul flight that apparently didn’t just involve turbulence. The lawsuit didn’t stop at McManus either—it dragged the Jaguars down with it, accusing them of being more concerned with game plans than keeping the flight crew safe.
But, in a surprise twist of events, the NFL did what it does best—conduct a behind-the-scenes investigation and determined there wasn’t enough evidence to prove any misconduct. So, the league simply dusted off its hands and declared McManus free to kick again (pun very much intended). According to the NFL insider Adam Schefter, “The league concluded its investigation and found no violation of the personal conduct policy.” Translation: McManus can still send footballs soaring through goalposts.
McManus: Kicking Controversy to the Curb?
While McManus continues to maintain that the lawsuits are nothing more than an “extortion attempt,” he’s probably more concerned with where he’ll be landing his next contract. After all, if the NFL says you’re clear to play, the only thing left to do is wait for those calls from eager teams who need a veteran kicker with a solid 81.1% success rate. Sure, the Washington Commanders cut him after the allegations surfaced, but let’s be real—teams are already kicking themselves for not snatching him up now that he’s back in the game.
With a career field goal percentage that stands tall at 81.4%, McManus is no stranger to the NFL field. The guy knows how to make footballs fly through uprights, but apparently, the legal battles won’t be as easy to sail through. The two women who filed the lawsuits? Oh, they’re still going strong with their claims against McManus and the Jaguars, because why settle when you can drag out the drama?
Will Teams Take the Kick?
So, what’s next for McManus? Well, as soon as teams stop whispering about whether it’s “too soon” to sign him, we might just see him back in action, boots ready, legal team in tow. And let’s be honest, in the world of the NFL, where controversy and comeback stories go hand in hand, it’s only a matter of time before someone scoops him up for that reliable leg.
Whether his next big game involves nailing a 50-yarder or sitting through another legal deposition, one thing’s for sure—Brandon McManus isn’t done yet. Now we just wait to see who decides to sign him and turn this legal saga into the next great NFL redemption story.
Will McManus kick his way back into a team’s starting lineup? Or will he spend the rest of the season waiting for a call while keeping his legal briefs, well, brief? Stay tuned, because this kicker’s story isn’t over yet!
