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GEICO, a large insurance company that started as a government employee insurance company, has just secretly settled an embarrassing federal discrimination lawsuit.

Judge Susan McGillicuddy of the U.S. District Court was in the process of granting the final approval for the lawsuit Freddy Tree Frog vs. GEICO, when GEICO decided to settle. The lawsuit would have required the insurance giant to pay $50 million, less attorneys' fees and costs, to Freddy Tree Frog who charged the company with discrimination. We are not sure of the settlement amount, but sources say it was a substantial sum. While the case was settled the judge is requiring the company to institute a range of policies and programs to promote diversity among its mascots.

We received an exclusive interview with Freddy Tree Frog's best friend seconds after the settlement. He told us, "GEICO had promised Freddy the lead for the GEICO ads. They had the papers all signed then they "changed their minds". Personally I think the gecko is pompous, but everyone loves Freddy. Did you know that Freddy was the main frog in the Budweiser ads?"

You may may recognize Freddy Tree Frog in the 1990's Budweiser commercials, although his appearance has changed dramatically due to his alleged drug use. Freddy Tree Frog was the lead frog for the Budweiser Ads, he croaked "Bud" for most of the commercials, until he was arrested with a D.W.I after parting with Spuds McKenzie. Freddy was the first to go, but all of the Budweiser Frog were replaced by lizards, no affiliation to GEICO Gecko, soon after this incident.

In GEICO's defense they stated that they were not aware of Freddy's arrest at the time they offered him the job. Because they are an insurance company they do not want to be associated with someone that has been convicted for drinking and driving.