John Mara is not buying into the conspiracy theory.
While many are speculating that the Patriots' decision not to appeal their punishment in Deflategate will be tied directly to commissioner Roger Goodell easing the discipline against quarterback Tom Brady on appeal, the Giants' president and CEO said he doubts there is any quid pro quo.
"I do not believe there is any deal between the League and the Patriots regarding Brady's status,'' Mara told Newsday via email on Wednesday evening.
Mara was returning from the league meetings in San Francisco which were headlined by Patriots owner Robert Kraft's decision not to appeal or legally challenge the $1 million fine and loss of two draft picks that the NFL docked his team.