Steve Moore officially accepts settlement in Todd Bertuzzi lawsuit
In a statement released on Thursday, Steve Moore announced that he has officially accepted a settlement in his lawsuit against current NHL free agent Todd Bertuzzi.
On Aug. 20, it was reported that the two sides had come to an agreement on a settlement, but Moore's brother disputed the reports, despite confirmation by the Vancouver Canucks, Bertuzzi's former team. Moore did not react publicly until Thursday.
Terms of the settlement were not disclosed. Moore was seeking at least $68 million in damages from Bertuzzi and the Canucks after the incident in 2004 that ended Moore's career. Bertuzzi jumped Moore, then a rookie for the Colorado Avalanche, from behind, causing Moore to crash onto the ice face first, giving him a concussion and fracturing vertebrae.
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Bertuzzi later pled guilty to assault causing bodily harm and was sentenced to probation. He was also suspended by the NHL.
Moore's statement read in part:
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.
In a statement at the time the settlement was reported, Bertuzzi said he would continue to not speak about the lawsuit.
- Ben Estes