Packers GM Provides Huge Report on Top Starter`s Allegations
The Green Bay Packers have struggled with kicking issues since losing their all-time scoring leader, Mason Crosby. Following their victory over the Arizona Cardinals, the team reached a breaking point with Braden Narveson and decided to sign veteran kicker and Super Bowl champion Brandon McManus.
From a talent standpoint, this decision is logical for the Packers. However, concerns have arisen due to off-the-field allegations against McManus.
Green Bay Packers Sign Brandon McManus, Formerly Released Due To Assault Lawsuit
Brandon McManus has had a notable NFL career, including a Super Bowl victory in 2016 with the Denver Broncos. He spent nine seasons with the Broncos, where he ranked second in the franchise’s points-scoring history. After a brief stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in his tenth season, he signed with the Washington Commanders.
However, McManus was released by Washington without playing a game, following the filing of a sexual harassment lawsuit. This incident allegedly occurred during a flight back from London while he was with the Jaguars.
The lawsuit claims that what should have been a routine trip became a party atmosphere, with McManus and teammates reportedly disregarding the flight attendants’ boundaries, safety protocols, and federal regulations. The plaintiffs allege that McManus distributed $100 bills to encourage inappropriate behavior, including drinking and dancing. Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson later stated he was unaware of the allegations until they became public.
The complaint asserts that the Jaguars’ failure to enforce policies allowed McManus and others to become excessively intoxicated, leading to the alleged sexual assaults. It argues that both McManus and the Jaguars are responsible for the incident due to the lack of intervention from the flight crew.
Despite these allegations, the NFL did not find sufficient evidence to impose a suspension, and according to McManus and his legal team, the matter has been “resolved.”
Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunsts Assured A Proper Investigation
After signing McManus, Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst acknowledged the concerns surrounding the team’s new kicker.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said not only did they rely on the NFL’s investigation and also their own research into the accusations against Brandon McManus, but he needed to hear it from the kicker himself before they signed him last night. pic.twitter.com/5MoNglxdFy
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) October 16, 2024
Throughout his career, McManus has been highly reliable on field goals from within 50 yards, converting an impressive 90.8% of those attempts. However, his accuracy diminishes considerably on longer kicks, with only 54.9% success from 50 yards or farther. Overall, he has successfully made 81.4% of his field goal attempts across all distances.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the NFL found no grounds to suspend McManus, and the Green Bay Packers felt there was no reason to avoid signing him. The lawsuit was reportedly “resolved” without apparent backlash from the potential victims. However, many Packers fans are concerned about making such signings a regular occurrence in Wisconsin.
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