Last week, Tony Buzbee invited Brandon McManus to participate in pre-suit mediation

Attorney Tony Buzbee said Tuesday that an effort had been made to resolve the claims against former Jaguars (now Leaders) player Brandon McManus before the lawsuit began last Friday.

We have gathered some information about communications made prior to filing the civil complaint, through discussions with multiple sources.

McManus was contacted last week, with a letter relaying allegations made by two Atlas Air flight attendants that invited McManus to participate in mediation, a non-binding effort to resolve disputes. No monetary amount was mentioned in the attempt to settle the case before trial.

McManus, through his counsel, pointed out notable factual flaws and requested a monetary demand with a view to negotiating a potential settlement. Instead, plaintiffs filed suit on Friday.

McManus has denied any wrongdoing. His lawyer called the allegations “completely fictional” and described McManus as a victim of “extortion.”

Although unrelated to the case, the fact that McManus first learned of the allegations last week suggests McManus did not fail to disclose the situation to the Jaguars or the NFL. It would also make it difficult for the Chiefs to claim McManus hid the situation from them when he signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with $1.5 million fully guaranteed.