Steve Moore on Bertuzzi settlement: 'This day comes with mixed emotions'

Former Colorado Avalanche winger Steve Moore and his lawyer Ted Danson have finally broken their silence and commented on the record about the recent settlement between Moore, and the Canucks and Todd Bertuzzi. Here's Moore's statement in full:

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.

In an odd quirk, the case was reportedly settled on Aug. 20, but that settlement report was promptly denied by Steve Moore's brother Mark. 

Mark's interpretation of events was then repudiated by Bertuzzi's lawyer Geoff Adair. While Adair and the Canucks themselves confirmed the settlement of the case in recent weeks, and the case was reportedly removed from the docket on Aug. 29, Moore's camp only broke their silence on Thursday.

"I apologize for remaining silent over the past two weeks," Danson told Steve Simmons of the Toronto Star. "I did not want to prejudice any possible settlement."