Yes, the Jaguars will have a potential Brandon McManus problem — which has nothing to do with whether McManus or the team will be held civilly liable for the former kicker’s alleged misconduct.
The complaint uses the word ‘drink’ or ‘drink’ three times, and the clear implication is that it wasn’t water. Additionally, we understand witnesses will say alcohol was brought onto the plane by Jaguars players.
This is going to be a problem for the Jaguars because alcohol is strictly prohibited, per league policy, on team property or during team travel. In November 2022, following incidents involving former Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing and Commanders players, the NFL sent a memo to all teams threatening significant discipline in the event of further violations.
Was it an empty threat from 345 Park Avenue? We’ll find out soon enough, as it appears the Jaguars ignored the memo just eleven months after it was sent.
And yes, the policy places an obligation on the team to ensure players comply. It’s not enough that the team doesn’t provide this. The team must prevent players from bringing alcohol on the plane, based on the NFL’s current rule.
