Culpepper Speaks Out

With the continuing bevy of media reports sprinkled with Vikings denials, Daunte Culpepper became yet another precinct heard from when he said Wednesday that Randy Moss may in fact be traded.

The stories keep coming out, as newspaper columnists whose personal football careers (if they ever had any) ended in high school or junior high continue to act more like fantasy football owners or bad general managers than writers.

From Miami to Oakland, New York to Arizona and stops being made in Baltimore, Washington and the rest of the Beltway, writers (not anyone with any NFL authority) continue to perpetuate the rumor that Randy Moss may be coming to a town near you.

But Wednesday, while not getting confirmation, they got fuel for their arguments. After a practice for Sunday's Pro Bowl game, Daunte Culpepper hinted that the possibility of Moss being dealt away is very real.

When asked about the situation, Culpepper told reporters, "He's my good friend, but you almost get to thinking that maybe enough is enough and maybe the Vikings organization has had enough."

While Culpepper added that he doesn't have any say in the process, the fact he's addressing the matter in the way he did -- serving as a quasi-spokesman for the team -- may indicate otherwise.

THURSDAY NOTES
* Moss Mania Part II -- For his part, Moss says he doesn't want to leave. In a taped interview to be carried on KFAN Radio tonight supporting his charity fishing tournament, Moss said he has grown to love Minnesota and thinks the team is building something positive -- adding that he would be "pretty sore" if he was traded.
* Moss Mania Part III -- Mike Tice spoke to the matter for the first time, reiterated his position from all along that Moss is and will remain a Vikings and that, as part of a personnel summary sheet said players to be traded was left blank -- even though he admits that the Vikings are looking to deal at least one of the running backs by committee. Hmmm.
* Four Vikings underwent successful surgeries to repair injuries. Kenechi Udeze had his right shoulder strengthened, Brian Russell had a sports hernia injury repaired, Sean Berton had a procedure done on his right labrum and Cory Withrow had a torn meniscus in his right knee repaired. All are expected to be ready by the summer minicamps.
* Kevin Higgins had a second interview Wednesday for the Vikings QB coach opening. Rich Olson will have his second interview today.