In May, two unnamed flight attendants launched a legal blitz against former Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus and the team itself, alleging sexual assault by McManus and negligence by the organization for allowing it to happen. Earlier this week, the plot thickened with an amended complaint hitting the court.
The Amended Complaint: A Game Changer
The revised complaint doesn’t waste any time, taking direct aim at the league’s “clear rule” regarding alcohol consumption on team flights. It even throws a Hail Mary, alleging that, “[m]ost teams in the NFL disregard this rule.”
“The Jaguars routinely disregard this important rule by allowing players to bring alcohol on NFL flights by failing to enforce screening policies,” the amended complaint alleges in its opening drive, er, paragraph. “The Jaguars also routinely disregarded this rule by allowing passengers to consume alcohol aboard. With all teams in the NFL, and specifically within the Jaguar organization, it is an open secret that the no alcohol aboard NFL flights is a joke.”
A Mile-High Party Zone?
But wait, there’s more. The updated document claims NFL teams, especially the Jaguars, often flout FAA rules like they’re offside flags, from ignoring in-flight announcements to neglecting seatbelt and tray table regulations.
At paragraph 3, the play turns audacious, accusing the Jaguars of setting up two different seating zones during their flight to England where the alleged incident happened. “One area was for those wishing to rest and follow the rules,” the complaint alleges. “The other was for those wishing to drink to excess, play cards or dice, and party. Despite a rule against alcohol, the Jaguars created a specific seating area for such behavior.”
Turning a Blind Eye
The complaint goes on to accuse, with the fervor of a final two-minute drive, that “dozens of people ostensibly watched Mr. McManus assault the Plaintiffs during the flight and did nothing to stop it, allowing it to occur multiple times.” Essentially, it’s alleging a complete breakdown in team discipline, like a defense that can’t stop the run.
The Team’s Offside Flag: Negligence
The amended complaint takes a punishing angle on the Jaguars’ defensive line (their policies). It alleges they knew, or should’ve known, about the players drinking on the flight, and that they failed to block any misbehavior from intoxicated players like McManus.
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It’s a full blitz aimed at the Jaguars’ lack of responsible oversight.
What’s Next?
The lawsuit is still in its early stages, folks. McManus and the Jaguars are set to respond to the complaint. We’ll see discovery play out, with documents, witness testimonies, and even more dramatic revelations, building up like a season finale. If no settlement is reached, expect this case to head to trial, with both McManus and the Jaguars potentially paying the price.
In this high-stakes legal game, McManus would be held accountable for his actions, and the Jaguars would face consequences for failing to create a safe environment that prevented such actions. Stay tuned — this is going to be a wild ride!
