FIRST OFF . . .

Eddie Murphy’s $30-million breach of contract suit ended in Mineola, N.Y., on Thursday after a confidential settlement was reached between the comedian and theatrical agent Irving King Broder. “We settled because it was something that got blown out of proportion,” Murphy said. “I still have a couple of dollars left.” Broder, who said he contractually was owed 25% of Murphy’s earnings from 1980 to 1986, said he was “very pleased” with the results, which will remain secret. The comedian previously said he wouldn’t settle the case on principle.