Judge dismisses sexual assault suit against NFL kicker who is a free agent

A judge in Florida has dismissed the lawsuit against NFL kicker Brandon McManus. In the case, he was accused of sexually harassing two women on a team plane to London.

Judge Michael S. Sharrit ruled that the two women's use of the pseudonyms “Jane Doe I” and “Jane Doe II” did not meet the criteria of an “exceptional circumstance” under Florida law required to ensure the anonymity of the parties.

Sharrit added: “Fairness requires that the plaintiffs be willing to publicly stand behind their allegations, just as the defendant McManus must openly refute them.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

“Most defendants in sexual assault cases file these types of motions with the belief that victims will not go forward if they are forced to publicly reveal their names,” Tony Buzbee said in a statement to ESPN. “We have been anticipating this ruling. To be clear, these women have no intention of running away and hiding and will immediately comply with the court's order. We look forward to continuing to prosecute this important case.”

Doe I and Doe II say that while on the flight, McManus was a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars and rubbed and ground against them. The flight “quickly turned into a party,” the lawsuit alleges, when McManus tossed $100 bills to the flight attendants in exchange for them dancing inappropriately for him.

TRAVIS KELCE SAYS TAYLOR SWIFT'S CHIEFS GAMES ARE ONLY FOCUSED ON HIM

McManus “grinned and walked away” after Doe II confronted him. Doe I says one of McManus' teammates looked mortified by McManus' behavior when she made eye contact with McManus during his first attack.

The Washington Commanders released McManus shortly after the lawsuit was filed. He remains a free agent.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

McManus made 30 of 37 field goals in his only season with Jacksonville last year. He spent the previous nine seasons with the Denver Broncos.

Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage on Xand subscribe the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.