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Vikings Players Plead Not Guilty In Party Scandal

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Jan 5, 2006 12:55 pm US/Central

Vikings Players Plead Not Guilty In Party Scandal

Minneapolis (WCCO) ― Attorneys for Daunte Culpepper, Bryant McKinnie, Fred Smoot and Moe Williams have entered innocent pleas on their clients' behalf in connection with October's notorious "sex boat" scandal.

All four players face three misdemeanor charges each for alleged lewd behavior during a party cruise on Lake Minnetonka.

Attorneys for Daunte Culpepper and Bryant McKinnie entered not guilty pleas on their clients' behalf in late December, Hennepin County court officials said.

An attorney for Fred Smoot entered a not guilty plea on his client's behalf on Tuesday, and Moe Williams' attorney entered a not guilty plea on Williams' behalf on Thursday.

The players waived their initial court appearances, which were scheduled for Thursday, and demanded jury trials.

Pre-trial hearings for the players are scheduled for Feb. 2, court officials said.

All four teammates were charged with indecent conduct, disorderly conduct and lewd or lascivious conduct, according to court papers.

According to court papers, Culpepper and Williams are accused of groping lap dancers on the cruise, while McKinnie and Smoot are accused of engaging in explicit sex acts with women during the party. (Read the story "Four Vikings Charged In Sex Party Scandal" for more information.)

If convicted, each player faces a maximum of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine on each count.

(© 2006 CBS Worldwide Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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