LOS ANGELES, (Reuters) – Michael Jackson’s father  said yesterday he suspected “foul play” in the death of his pop  star son, as lawyers disclosed talks aimed at settling  guardianship of the singer’s two children with his ex-wife.

The previously unknown talks caused a Los Angeles court to  delay by one week a key hearing over custody of the kids, who  are now being cared for by Jackson’s 79-year-old mother.

Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, told ABC News in a TV  interview Friday that he was dumbfounded when he learned his  son collapsed at home and was being rushed to the hospital.

“I just couldn’t believe what was happening to Michael. I  do believe it was foul play. I do believe that,” he said,  without elaborating.

The “Thriller” singer died suddenly over two weeks ago  after suffering cardiac arrest at his rented Los Angeles  mansion. He was 50. Since then, numerous media reports have  surfaced about powerful prescription drugs found by police at  Jackson’s home after his June 25 death.