Steve Moore says no deal with Todd Bertuzzi; brother questions motivations

To recap the last day in Steve Moore v. Todd Bertuzzi and the Vancouver Canucks …

It was reported on Tuesday that the sides were close to a settlement before their Sept. 8 civil trial. Then, huzzah, the two sides agreed to a deal, according to Bertuzzi’s attorney. Wait … actually, Bertuzzi’s attorney said that he received a “disconcerting email” 10 minutes after the news went public that made him wonder if the deal was on. No, check it, everything’s cool, and the deal is done. Except it totally isn’t, according to Steve Moore’s brother.

Annnnnnd exhale.

Mark Moore told Rick Westhead of TSN that he received a text message from his brother on Tuesday night saying there’s no deal with Bertuzzi or the Canucks.

So why did Bertuzzi’s reps blindside Moore with this settlement news?

According to Mark Moore, he suspects they’re attempting to expedite things for the benefit of Bertuzzi’s free-agent chances for the 2014-15 season. Despite, you know, not exactly being in high demand.

"Bertuzzi is a free agent and he wants to sign a contract," Mark Moore told TSN. "They are trying to put on pressure. You see the Canucks have not made a statement."

That, they haven’t. But Bertuzzi’s lawyer has, and he said the deal is done. Huh … a lawyer stretching the truth. First time for everything.

Here’s our story from this morning on the settlement that almost was, could be or actually is.