New York Giants co-owner John Mara says he's 'not settling' Brian Flores' lawsuit, calls allegations of 'sham' interview 'false'

PALM BEACH, Fla. — New York Giants co-owner John Mara again strongly denied allegations brought on by a lawsuit from head coaching candidate Brian Flores that accused his organization of a «sham» interview and insisted they would not be settling out of court.

Additionally, Mara claimed the organization had no contact with New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who the lawsuit says accidentally told Flores he would not be getting the job before he was even interviewed.

Flores claimed in the suit the Giants had made their decision to hire Brian Daboll, a white candidate, before getting his chance in front of the team's brass. Flores is Black.

Mara insists it's all «false.» He is not going to back down and is confident the Giants went through a thorough and fair process.

«Not settling it,» Mara said on Sunday at the NFL's annual meetings. «Because the allegations are false. We're very comfortable with our hiring process. It was a fair process and we ended up making the decision that we made based on a lot of factors none of which had to do with race.»

Mara insists the Giants did not have anyone communicate their intentions with Belichick during the process. Mara said he hasn't spoken to Belichick since the Giants participated in joint-practices and had a preseason matchup with the Patriots during the summer.

Belichick is a former Giants employee (1995-2000) and still has ties to the organization. He helped their previous coach, Joe Judge, get hired.

Mara doesn't believe it matters.

«I think the truth will come out eventually,» he said. "[Belichick] didn't speak to anyone in our organization." Mara's nephew, Tim McDonnell, had been communicating with Flores throughout the process, according to the lawsuit. He reached out