The Dark Side of the NFL: When Party Flights Turn into Nightmares

As I sat down to write this article, I couldn’t help but think about the countless times I’ve heard the phrase ‘boys will be boys.’ It’s a phrase that’s often used to excuse bad behavior, to downplay the severity of a situation, and to shift the blame from the perpetrator to the victim. But what happens when those ‘boys’ are NFL players, and the ‘party’ is on a flight to London?

According to a recent lawsuit, that’s exactly what happened on a Jaguars charter flight last season. Two women, identified as Jane Doe I and Jane Doe II, have accused NFL kicker Brandon McManus of sexual assault, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The allegations are disturbing, to say the least.

Flight attendants on the Jaguars’ charter flight had more than just turbulence to deal with.

The lawsuit claims that McManus and several other players disregarded the flight attendants’ personal space, air travel safety, and federal law. They allegedly turned the flight into a party, with McManus recruiting three other flight attendants to join in on the fun. The lawsuit also claims that McManus passed out $100 bills to encourage the women to drink and dance inappropriately for him.

“The flight quickly turned into a party.” - Lawsuit

An attorney for McManus has called the claims “absolutely fictitious,” but the allegations are serious and deserve to be taken seriously. The Washington Commanders, McManus’ current team, have issued a statement saying they’re looking into the matter, and the Jaguars have also released a statement.

The NFL has a responsibility to ensure its players are held accountable for their actions.

One of the women, Jane Doe I, alleges that McManus attempted to kiss her and was “twice grinding up against her while she was serving the flight’s two meal services.” The other woman, Jane Doe II, claims that McManus “grinded up against her” and “smirked and walked away” when she confronted him.

The women are seeking around $1 million in damages, citing “severe mental anguish” and other mental health issues since the alleged incidents. They’ve also been removed from the staffs that work the flights the Jaguars charter.

Mental health issues should never be taken lightly.

As I reflect on this story, I’m reminded of the importance of accountability. The NFL has a responsibility to ensure its players are held accountable for their actions, both on and off the field. It’s time to stop making excuses and start taking action.

Accountability is key to creating a safer, more respectful environment.