Like the NFL, Giants owner John Mara and Steelers president Art Rooney II are trying to nip Deflategate II in the bud before it becomes a full-fledged controversy.
The Giants made the league aware of two footballs they thought to be under-inflated that were used in their 24-14 loss to the Steelers at Heinz Field in Week 13.
The league tried to make the issue go away by saying that the Giants presented “no formal complaint.”
“Much ado about nothing,” Mara said at a league meeting Wednesday, according to Pro Football Talk.
“I agree with John,” Rooney said.
The Rooney and Mara family trees intersect. Kathleen Rooney, granddaughter of Steelers founder Art Rooney, married Chris Mara, grandson of Giants founder Tim Mara.
John Mara and Art Rooney II don’t want to spark any family feud and they also don’t want to drag the NFL through another Deflategate mess.
There might be some outcries from New England about a double standard, but because of the original Deflategate officiating crews are now supposed to keep a closer eye on footballs used in games. If the air pressure wasn’t right, the officials deserve at least part of the blame.
It also could be that balls naturally lose air pressure in cold weather and that Tom Brady could have been wrongfully suspended. Then again, the Patriots went 3-1 when he was suspended and if they earn home-field advantage throughout the playoffs then the punishment will have had no adverse affect.
If the Steelers then visit New England in the playoffs, the footballs will be under intense scrutiny.
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