Cab driver David Duggan said he's reached a settlement with Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Aqib Talib, thus avoiding a civil lawsuit.

Though Duggan said he can't disclose the amount, it sounds sizable, "Put it this way, if I play it smart, I'll be set," he said.

The criminal case is still pending on the misdemeanor battery charge, but Duggan said he's signed a statement that will recommend a pre-trial intervention program, and hopes the former first round pick will avoid any jail time.

 Talib was arrested Aug. 19. The Florida Highway Patrol said he struck Duggan in the neck and ear with a closed fist while riding from a St. Petersburg club to a Tampa hotel. While Duggan initially resisted the pre-trial intervention program, he said he's satisfied now and that Talib's lawyers have told him he's "really apologetic."

"I feel for him, that he made a big mistake and that kind of thing, but I have no animosity  towards him," Duggan said. "I feel he paid his debt to me and society and the man is really sorry and he showed that in the civil matter. I just want to put this behind me and hope he has a better football career and not make another mistake."

Assistant state attorney Richard Ripplinger said Talib's attorneys haven't yet filed an application for a pre-trial intervention, but it appears the state would be open to it as it's a standard practice in such cases where a defendant has no prior criminal record. Ripplinger said such programs would include community service, among other things, and with Talib's case, it would have to include anger management. The next pre-trial hearing in he case is January 14.

Duggan, a 48-year-old St. Petersburg resident, said he hasn't worked since the incident, and still has a bulging disk and herniated disk, with medical expenses around $10,000.

But Duggan said, with his settlement money, he plans to start his own carpet cleaning business. He's also going to Hawaii for the New Year, hopes to buy a house, among other things.

"I'm going to get a new iPhone," he said. "I've always wanted one."

Duggan said he still hasn't spoken with Talib, and the Bucs haven't contacted him.

"Season tickets would be nice," he joked. "But I can afford my own now."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com