Dan Rather filed a $70 million lawsuit minutes ago against CBS, alleging that the network made him a “scapegoat” for a discredited story about President Bush’s National Guard service. Rather, whose last few months were clouded by controversy over the report, says the complaint stems from “CBS’ intentional mishandling” of the aftermath of the story.

“Dan the Man” Rather is seeking $20 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive damages.

The lawsuit, filed in State Supreme Court in Manhattan, also names CBS President and CEO Leslie Moonves, Viacom Inc. Chairman Sumner Redstone, and former CBS News President Andrew Heyward.