Layers for CBS filed a motion on Thursday asking a judge to dismiss the $70 million breach of contract lawsuit filed against the network by Dan Rather, calling the former "CBS Evening News" anchor's claims "far-fetched," E!Online reported.

Following Rather’s September suit in which he claimed the network took advantage of him and made him a "scapegoat" for a discredited report about U.S. President George W. Bush's National Guard service, CBS fired back regarding the lawsuit as "a regrettable attempt by plaintiff Dan Rather to remain in the public eye, and to settle old scores and perceived slights, based on an array of far-fetched allegations."

In the 25-page motion, filed in Manhattan State Supreme Court, the network is seeking to dismiss the lawsuit against CBS, its former Viacom Inc. parent, CBS president/CEO Leslie Moonves, CBS and Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone, and onetime CBS News president Andrew Heyward.

"There was no such nefarious scheme, and Rather's allegations bear no resemblance to reality," CBS said in its filing. "CBS and its executives are not now, and never have been, out to get Dan Rather."

Claiming breach of contract against the network, Rather’s suit insisted that he was forced to step down from his high-profile position as CBS Evening News anchor while his appearances on the network's highly rated "60 Minutes" were a lot fewer than those of other correspondents.

"CBS did not breach any obligation to Rather," CBS said. It also said that CBS, not Rather, had the right to determine what Rather would do on "60 Minutes," as well as what his so-called billing and his assignments would be.

Martin Gold, Rather's attorney, said CBS was trying to delay discovery and a trial.

"We are confident the court will reject these tactics and allow the case to go forward," he said.

In a different statement from their court filing Thursday, CBS expressed dismay at the legal action, calling Rather "one of our most valued colleagues. That is why we at CBS are mystified and saddened by the baseless and self-serving allegations and distortions of fact raised in his lawsuit."