NFL

Culpepper trade reportedly unlikely

By wire services
Published February 17, 2006

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Amid speculation the Vikings are considering trading quarterback Daunte Culpepper, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported any deal is a long shot.

Wednesday, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported the Vikings contacted several teams to gauge the market on Culpepper, with an initial asking price of a second-round pick.

Fran Foley, the Vikings' new vice president of player personnel, declined to answer questions about Culpepper during a news conference Thursday.

But Culpepper, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, e-mailed a statement to some news outlets.

"I have found over the years that "people with knowledge of the situation' are usually the most ignorant, and "anonymous sources' are usually synonymous with cowards who don't want to go on the record," Culpepper said.

"My position has been and continues to be that I am focusing on rehabilitating my knee so that I can come back and play the game I love at the highest level. Until I hear different from (owner Zygi Wilf) or the new "triangle of authority' at the Vikings, I plan on playing quarterback for Minnesota."

"Trying to delve into speculation, innuendo, rumor or anything else of this nature would be a waste of energy. I choose at this time to spend my energy on getting healthy."

After making the Pro Bowl in 2004, Culpepper struggled in seven games in 2005 with six touchdowns, 12 interceptions and three lost fumbles. He tore the anterior cruciate, medial collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments in his knee against Carolina on Oct.30.

Although he signed a 10-year, $102-million contract in May 2003, Culpepper's deal has little guaranteed money. The Vikings gave him an extra $4-million in August and $3.5-million on top of the $2.5-million he was scheduled to receive March17.

Because of league rules, Culpepper can't negotiate an increase in his salary until Aug.8. But he can get more signing bonus money. The Star-Tribune previously reported Culpepper sought an additional $8-million to $10-million for the 2006 season, which Wilf rejected.

CINCINNATI - Coach Marvin Lewis received a two-year extension for leading the Bengals to their first playoff appearance in 15 years, putting him under contract until 2010. Cincinnati went 11-5, its first winning record since 1990, and won the AFC North in Lewis' third season.

The Bengals also said all of Lewis' assistants have received contracts that run through at least 2007.

BROWNS: A federal judge ruled the team and league retained the trademark rights to the "Dawg Pound," a reference to the team's fans who sit behind the end zone. After being opposed by the NFL, a California clothing manufacturer received approval for the trademarks "Dawg Pound," "Lil Dawg Pound" and "Top Dawg" after the Browns moved to Baltimore. But because the NFL planned to put another team in Cleveland, it did not give up its trademark, the judge ruled.

DOLPHINS: Offensive lineman Damion McIntosh was released from jail after allegedly pushing his wife to the floor at their home. The six-year veteran, who started 16 games at left tackle last season, was arrested Wednesday and released without bail. A trial date was not set.

TEXANS: Offensive lineman Fred Weary re-signed. Terms were not disclosed. The 2002 third-round pick started four games at right tackle last season and was inactive for 10.

TITANS: Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch agreed to a multiyear deal. Terms were not disclosed. Two torn ACLs limited the 2001 second-round pick to 35 games in four seasons with Arizona. After signing a one-year deal with Tennessee for the minimum, he finished fourth in the league with 121/2 sacks and second on the team with 100 tackles.

OBITUARY: Ernie Stautner, a Hall of Fame defensive lineman for the Steelers and longtime Cowboys defensive coordinator, died in Carbondale, Colo. He was 80. Mr. Stautner, who went to nine Pro Bowls with the Steelers and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1969, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1998, his wife said. Mr. Stautner coached the Cowboys' defensive line from 1966-72 and was the defensive coordinator from 1973-88, helping them win two Super Bowls.

JURISPRUDENCE: Former Pro Bowl defensive back Darryll Lewis pleaded no contest in Los Angeles to felony counts of evading arrest and possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest and taking a vehicle without the owner's consent. Lewis, 37, who played for the Oilers, Chargers and Broncos, was sentenced to 32 months in prison.

[Last modified February 17, 2006, 02:15:35]