After weeks of speculation and mixed public statements about a potential settlement in the Steve Moore vs. Todd Bertuzzi civil case, more than a decade of litigation officially came to a close on Wednesday evening when Moore issued a press release stating that the case has been settled. Moore didn't mention Bertuzzi's name once in the statement.
Steve Moore vs. Todd Bertuzzi ends not in a court room, but with a press release
Steve Moore vs. Todd Bertuzzi is finally, officially, over.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The two sides were scheduled to begin a long, ugly trial on Sept. 8 -- a trial that all parties are apparently happy to avoid. The NHL certainly didn’t want this matter playing out in court again either, and will be pleased to put it behind the league and the game. Moore, in his own words, said the same, and Bertuzzi, currently an NHL free agent looking for a job, is probably more relieved than anybody that it’s over.
Details of the settlement were not released and likely will never be publicly known. Moore was asking for $68 million from Bertuzzi in the civil suit, filed in Ontario Superior Court.
Moore, formerly of the Colorado Avalanche hasn't played hockey since March 2004, when Bertuzzi, then of the Vancouver Canucks, drove Moore's head into the ice from behind in a violent attack. Criminal assault charges were brought against Bertuzzi, who pled guilty. He was also given a hefty suspension by the NHL and the IIHF, but otherwise he has played a full, normal NHL career.
Here’s Moore’s statement in its entirety:
***
The legal case for the loss of my NHL career is over. I have accepted a settlement agreement which has now been finalized and signed by all the parties.
This day comes with mixed emotions. I am extremely thankful for the compassion and encouragement of so many people over the past decade. These years have been very difficult for me and my family. The injuries I sustained in my rookie year, the years I spent trying to return to my NHL career, and dealing with the loss of my career and the ensuing legal case, have been long and trying experiences. While nothing replaces the loss of one's dream, I am happy my family will no longer be burdened by an unresolved legal case, and I am grateful to be able to move forward.
I thank the fans and the public who have supported me so passionately and tirelessly, not just across Canada, and the U.S., but around the world - your support has meant more than you can imagine. I thank the people who supported me in this legal case; your courage, and integrity are an inspiration. I thank former Chief Justice of Ontario Warren Winkler for helping with this settlement. Finally, I thank my friends, and especially my family, for your unwavering love and devotion which kept me going over these last ten years.
I look forward to continuing to bring more attention and resources to the prevention and treatment of concussions and other head and neck injuries in sport, through The Steve Moore Foundation (www.stevemoorefoundation.org).
While my own hockey career was cut short, my love for the game has never diminished.
Thank you.
Steve Moore
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