The NFL’s main goal when dealing with allegations of off-field misconduct by players is to uncover the truth and impose penalties if necessary. However, in the case of former Jaguars (now Commanders) kicker Brandon McManus, the league is facing a challenging situation due to a lawsuit against the Jaguars for failing to supervise McManus and provide a safe environment during a flight to London.
The team’s defense may rely on the claim that McManus did not commit any wrongdoing, but if the NFL disagrees, it could weaken the Jaguars’ case in court. The NFL must now decide how to handle the situation with McManus. Will they downplay the allegations to support the Jaguars, or will they aggressively investigate and discipline McManus regardless of the legal implications?
This scenario highlights a common challenge for employers facing lawsuits related to alleged employee misconduct. There is often a temptation to protect the company’s finances by denying any wrongdoing, even if it goes against established policies aimed at preventing misconduct and protecting others in the workplace. Balancing these conflicting interests can be tricky, but necessary in order to uphold the integrity of the league and ensure accountability for all involved parties.