Commanders' Dan Quinn addresses when he first found out about sexual assault allegations against kicker Brandon McManus

ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said he addressed the release with his players.

Less than three months after signing him, the Commanders released kicker Brandon McManus amid a civil lawsuit alleging he sexually assaulted two women.

“I found out some of the information on May 27 and then we released him on June 3,” Quinn said Wednesday during the first OTA practice open to media since the release. “I think you guys would all understand that this is under investigation so I can’t comment a lot but what I can say is a little bit about what I told the team.”

Quinn’s message: Communicate. The insinuation, it seemed, was that McManus had not communicated with the franchise about the case before the lawsuit became public.

“Let’s make sure you always let somebody know,” Quinn said. "There’s usually a whole bunch of people that want to be part of the solution … [and] that kind of communication allows you to come up with some solutions.

“It was a good lesson to always have that conversation. It’s usually much more difficult in your head than it is really having the actual conversations.”

Two flight attendants are suing McManus, alleging he sexually assaulted them on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ charter flight to London last fall. The attendants are also suing the Jaguars for failing to supervise McManus and create a safe work environment for the flight crew.

McManus denied all allegations through his attorney, alleging the accusers were “inconsistent” in their “fabricated claims,” per a statement sent to multiple media outlets.

“We will aggressively defend and clear Brandon’s name and reputation through the legal process,” the statement from attorney Brett R. Gallaway continued.

The lawsuit alleges McManus grinded against two flight attendants while they served flight meals, trying also to kiss one while the attendant was seated during turbulence. The lawsuit claims McManus passed out $100 bills to encourage flight attendants to drink and dance inappropriately for him.

The Commanders signed McManus in March to a one-year, $3.6 million deal. He played last season for Jacksonville after nine seasons in Denver.

On Tuesday, the Commanders signed kicker Ramiz Ahmed to compete for a roster spot. On the field, McManus and Ahmed’s résumés are not comparable.

The on-field résumés of the two kickers do not align.

Ahmed arrives two years after executing six kickoffs for the Green Bay Packers, part of an itinerant career that has not yet included an NFL field-goal or extra-point attempt. He most recently played for the United Football League. Quinn said Ahmed has experience with field goals, extra points and kickoffs. NFL kickers’ role will increase this year with the league’s renovated special teams rules.

In 10 career years, McManus made 253 of 311 (81.4%) field-goal attempts and 312 of 321 (97.2%) extra-point attempts. In 2023, he connected on 30 of 37 field goals, including 21 of 23 from fewer than 50 yards. He made each of 35 extra-points attempts last season.

McManus was not immediately signed to a new roster.

The Commanders have been mired in sexual harassment and workplace misconduct allegations in recent years, factors in the league strong-arming Daniel Snyder to sell the franchise.

An ownership group led by Josh Harris purchased the franchise last summer. The team has since also undergone turnover at head coach, general manager and quarterback.

When asked whether franchise history influenced the decision to release McManus, Quinn reiterated the importance of open and honest communication in creating solutions.

“A lot of people want to be a part of the solution," Quinn said. "Our team has an army of support like most teams do. So that communication is a critical piece of it.”