Former Chargers linebacker Steve Foley settled his claims against the City of Coronado for an undisclosed amount during the trial arising from the career-ending shooting incident that occurred in September 2006.

The settlement was brokered by a retired judge, who presumably was introduced to the action as a mediator.  Courts throughout the country use mediation, a non-binding negotiation process over which an independent lawyer or judge presides, as a way to get lawsuits resolved.  It’s possible that the retired judge in this case served as the mediator prior to trial, but then continued to touch base with the parties as the trial unfolded.

The settlement amount will be disclosed once the payment is formally approved by the City of Coronado.  (It’s odd that final approval wasn’t obtained before the deal was done.)

Typically, a successful settlement obtained through mediation leaves all parties slightly pissed off.

Foley was shot by an off-duty officer who followed Foley out of the jurisdiction at a time when the officer believed that Foley was driving drunk.