MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper has e-mailed a statement to reporters saying the team has not discussed trading him.
But Culpepper said he is disappointed with the team's treatment of him.
Culpepper also said that he would reconsider his $6 million bonus to give the Vikings more freedom under the salary cap. But the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that gesture is likely to be an empty one since the Vikings' payroll is expected to be well under the cap.
The newspaper said rumors that Vikings management wants to trade Culpepper, who is rehabbing from a serious knee injury, are buzzing.
In his e-mail Culpepper said that if he is not traded he would do his best to help Coach Brad Childress made a "serious run" at a Super Bowl championship.
"Each year they pay you to play is a gift," he said. "I expect that if there are no changes to my present contract then I should prepare for a year-by-year commitment. When I am ready to hit the field this year, wherever it may be, I plan on being better than ever and enjoying the ride."
