AceShowbiz - Executives behind basketball ace-turned-reality TV star Shaquille O'Neal's hit show "Shaq vs". have reached a settlement with a disgruntled author who alleged they stole his concept for the program. Writer Todd Gallagher filed suit against O'Neal's talent representatives at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment in October 2009, claiming they had agreed to turn his book, Andy Roddick Beat Me with a Frying Pan, into a TV series in 2008.

In court papers, he alleged he was forced out of the project before William Morris bosses decided to go ahead with the idea with O'Neal, another of their clients, instead. The show featured O'Neal competing against other top sporting athletes at their own game. Gallagher reached out to the company to discuss a settlement over the new TV deal but decided to take legal action and sued for $5 million when his demands for a meeting were not met.

The court case has now been dismissed after the two parties reached a deal. The details of the settlement have not been released to the press but is said to be in the six-figures, according to TMZ.com. Todd's lawyer confirms to the website, "The matter has been amicably resolved."