CINCINNATI — The city of Cincinnati has agreed to pay former Bengals defensive tackle Matthias Askew $500,000 to settle a lawsuit in which he alleged unlawful arrest and excessive force.

The Bengals cut Askew in August 2006, about three weeks after the arrest. Askew said in his federal lawsuit, which sought $50 million, that he cooperated with officers who asked him to move his illegally parked car.

A Cincinnati police officer used a stun gun on Askew after officers said they believed he was attempting to leave the scene.

Askew said in the lawsuit that the arrest caused his release from the Bengals, which prevented him from earning a contract extension and salary increase. He was later acquitted on charges that included disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

The Bengals never said whether the arrest affected their decision to cut Askew, who is now in training camp with the Washington Redskins.