Culpepper denies wanting to see Moss traded

[BAMAPHIN 22]

Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper is bewildered and hurt by suggestions he was responsible for the departure of wide receiver Randy Moss.

In an interview with the Star Tribune for Thursday's editions, Culpepper insisted he did nothing to force the trade the Vikings finalized with the Oakland Raiders earlier Wednesday.

Culpepper acknowledged he did not always approve of Moss' conduct, but said overcoming the loss of his top receiver will be as difficult as dealing with his flaws.

"This trade, I hated to see it," Culpepper told the Star Tribune. "I guess it's a business, and as a team we have to move on. One thing we know, by looking at New England, is that teams win championships, not individuals. ... But there's no way we can replace Randy. There's no way to find a guy that does what he does. As a team, we're going to have to find a way to pick up the slack.

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