Attorney apologizes to star hockey player

STAMFORD -- A Westport attorney has apologized to New York Islander star winger Matt Moulson for calling him "stupid" and "clueless" in a New York Post article about an insurance claim arising from a car accident in Stamford's West Side last year.

Mark Arons, a Westport attorney who told several media outlets in September he had commenced a civil lawsuit against Moulson, issued a written apology and made a private contribution to charity in addition to settling the insurance claims. In exchange, Moulson signed a release on Dec. 8 and agreed not to sue Arons for defamation.

Arons, who gave the lawsuit to marshals but never filed it, did not return a message left at his Westport law firm Thursday.

"Having confirmed your active charity work in several communities, I deeply regret and apologize for any harm or embarrassment caused by my remarks to the media," Arons wrote in his apology last month. "[...] I am glad to have resolved this matter amicably, as gentlemen."

Moulson's attorney, Stephan Seeger, said Arons exposed himself to a defamation lawsuit when he called Moulson "cheap" and "clueless" in a New York Post article in which he derided the professional hockey player for having only $25,000 in liability insurance despite his multi-million dollar contract.

Earlier this year Moulson signed a $9.4 million, three-year contract extension with the Islanders, according to ESPN.com.

Aron's client, Lisa Caiati, 40, of Danbury, wanted more than the $25,000 Moulson's insurance company would pay out to cover her medical problems -- herniated discs and a lumbar strain -- from a car accident on June 18, 2010, in which Moulson struck the front of her car while turning left into oncoming traffic, Arons said in September.

Caiati turned down the money and pursued legal action against Moulson, but settled the insurance claim out of court for the original $25,000 several weeks ago, Seeger said.

"This is a good example of what celebrities should do when they are faced with these types of situations," Seeger said. "They have the same rights as others."

Seeger said Arons' comments defamed Moulson, who is active with local charities and foundations. The Islanders winger, who leads the team this season with 16 goals as of Friday, played in a charity scrimmage this summer organized by Darien native and Tampa Bay Lightening forward Ryan Shannon, who has raised more than $2 million for spinal cord injury research.

Seeger said instead of pursing legal action, Moulson chose to have Arons apologize and make a contribution to charity, which was kept private as part of their agreement.

Moulson was found at fault for the June 2010 accident. A Stamford police officer determined Moulson was driving east on Selleck Street before making a left-hand turn onto Harvard Avenue and smashing into the front of Caiati's 2000 Suburu Legacy.

The officer gave Moulson a verbal warning for failing to grant right of way to Caiati. Moulson told police the car in front of him blocked his view of oncoming traffic, according to the police report.

-- Staff Writer Jeff Morganteen can be reached at jeff.morganteen@scni.com or 203-964-2215.