MINNEAPOLIS - Daunte Culpepper, traded this week from Minnesota to Miami, says he's sorry for the embarrassment caused by the Lake Minnetonka boat party, even though he says he did nothing wrong.
Culpepper and three teammates are charged with misdemeanor lewd conduct on board a tour boat on the Twin Cities lake.
His e-mail to the media on Thursday said he accepts the responsibility and accountability of being a high-profile athlete.
"Without admitting to the ridiculous allegations, I do apologize for any embarrassment that this situation has caused the community, the organization and especially my family," wrote Culpepper, who was traded on Tuesday. "I can handle the personal accusations because I know the truth. I expect the legal process to clear my name so that I can move on."
Culpepper's e-mail also thanked fans, teammates and former Vikings coach Dennis Green for drafting him. Green is now the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.
"I wish the best for the Viking organization as they go forward under the new ownership group and coaching staff," he wrote.
He said he already feels welcome in Miami. Culpepper, a Florida native, wrote that "It felt like a dream come true when I walked into the Dolphins facility and met the coaches and administration."
The quarterback's relationship with the Vikings began to deteriorate in January after he fired his agent, saying he wanted to play a bigger role in his business dealings.
There was more tension over his decision to rehab his injured knee at home in Florida, instead of coming to Minnesota where he could learn the offense of new coach Brad Childress. Finally, last week, Culpepper said he didn't like the tone of an e-mail he received from the front office and requested to be traded or released.