Piven has his day in court

Results from an arbitration regarding actor Jeremy Piven and the producers of "Speed-the-Plow" were released today. The arbitrator involved in the meeting stated that Piven did not breach his contract with the producers of the Broadway play. The results were released through the Actors' Equity Association which represents stage actors.

The revival of the David Mamet play opened this past October to positive reviews, but the play was abruptly halted when Piven, playing the role of Bobby Gould, left the play in February. His reason was that his doctor said he was suffering from mercury poisoning. The culprit of his ailment came from eating too much fish.

Though many if not all excluding Piven and his doctor found the reason to be quite comical, it was enough to stall the play and eventually have to continue its run without out the "Entourage" actor.

Piven was happy with the results of the arbitration, and relieved that all the parties involved can move on.

According to the Associated Press, the producers of the play said though they respect the decision, they are in disagreement with it. A rep stated, "We remain eternally grateful to everyone who helped make the wonderful production of 'Speed-the-Plow' possible, especially the artists who created it, and the many who had to deal with very difficult and trying circumstances."

Piven said in a telephone interview as reported on NYTimes.com, "I'm just a theater actor who got sick, and was physically incapable of finishing my run. And now I can put this behind me and move on."