The Associated Press reports former New Orleans Saints security director Geoffrey Santini has withdrawn his lawsuit against the New Orleans Saints, whose lawyers are sending the matter to an arbitration judge.

Santini claimed in a filing on April 30 that the Saints had engaged in a cover-up regarding the theft and improper distribution of painkilling medication by two "senior staff members", who have since been identified as head coach Sean Payton and assistant head coach/linebackers Joe Vitt.

The motion filed Thursday says Saints attorneys waited more than a week after the lawsuit was initially filed to advise Santini they intended to invoke an arbitration clause in Santini's employment contract rather than fight his lawsuit in civil district court.

Santini's lawyer adds that the case going to arbitration blocks either side from discussing the case publicly.