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John Mara: Giants Knew Of Josh Brown Allegations Before Re-Signing Him

EAST RUTHEFORD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Don't expect the Giants to sever ties with embattled kicker Josh Brown anytime soon.

Team co-owner and president John Mara told reporters Wednesday the Giants were fully aware of all the domestic violence allegations against Brown when they re-signed the Pro Bowler to a two-year, $4 million contract in April. Mara added that the organization is not second-guessing that move.

"Based on the facts and circumstances that we were aware of at that time, we were comfortable with our decision to re-sign him," Mara said. "Nothing has happened in the meantime to make us question that decision. This is an issue, domestic violence, that we take very seriously here. Everybody in this building — players, employees alike — go through a training program on issues like domestic violence and sexual abuse and DUI."

"There's a tendency to make these cases black and white," Mara added. "They're very rarely black and white. You very rarely have a Ray Rice video. There are allegations made, you try to sort through the facts, and you try to make an informed decision. That's what we did."

Brown has been suspended for the regular-season opener for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. The ban stems from the kicker's May 22, 2015, arrest in Woodinville, Washington, on a fourth-degree domestic violence charge. Brown, 37, grabbed his then-wife's wrist while she was picking up a phone, causing "redness" and a small cut, police said.

Josh Brown and Molly Brown
Giants kicker Josh Brown and his then-wife Molly Brown attend an event sponsored by DirecTV on Jan. 31, 2015, in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for DirecTV)

The prosecutor's office did not proceed with the case because it said there was insufficient evidence.

The couple has since divorced.

Brown's ex, Molly, also reportedly told police her football player husband had become physically violent with her more than 20 times, including once when she was pregnant, and that she previously obtained an order of protection against him.

MORE: Keidel: Josh Brown Case Puts NFL's Arbitrary Discipline On Full Display

The NFL said Molly Brown declined multiple requests to speak to the league about her allegations.

Mara said of Brown's suspension: "We accept that decision, we support it and we move on."

The Giants signed former Texans and Jets kicker Randy Bullock on Monday and waived rookie free agent Tom Obarski. Bullock is expected to serve as the Giants' kicker in their Sept. 11 season opener at Dallas.

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