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      *Quarterback Daunte Culpepper can start his career as a Miami Dolphin free of legal drama that could have landed him in jail for 90 days.

       The athlete was cleared Tuesday of misdemeanor lewd conduct charges stemming from a boat-party sex scandal in Minnesota. A Hennepin County judge ruled that there wasn't probable cause to determine a crime was committed by Culpepper, one of four Minnesota Vikings accused of misdemeanor lewd conduct during the cruise last fall on Lake Minnetonka. Culpepper has since been traded to the Miami Dolphins.       

       Judge Kevin Burke denied a motion to dismiss charges against running back Moe Williams. The other two players charged, cornerback Fred Smoot and tackle Bryant McKinnie, were not part of Tuesday's ruling. Their next hearings are scheduled for today.       

       Culpepper’s attorney, Earl Gray, told the Associated Press: "I'm happy about it. I'm sure Culpepper is, and his family. It vindicates him from being involved in any sexual misconduct on the boat."       

       During a hearing last month, both Culpepper and Williams had denied any improper conduct in a hearing before Judge Kevin Burke. Culpepper, who was accused of touching a dancer's buttocks, testified that he spent his time on the boat shooting dice and turned down sexual offers from several women. Williams, accused of touching a dancer's breast, testified that a woman danced near him but he never touched her.       

       In explaining his ruling, Burke wrote Culpepper's version of events would clear him if true, and since the prosecutor had nothing in his arsenal to rebut it, he found no probable cause. The difference with Williams, the judge wrote, was that his story wouldn't necessarily exonerate him.       

       Both players had claimed that race was a factor in prosecutor Steve Tallen's decision to charge them, while not charging two white men onboard – including the captain of one of the boats – even though investigators found evidence the men both kissed a stripper's exposed nipple. Burke said the claim was understandable, but the prosecutor had discretion on who was charged. Williams' trial is scheduled for April 18.      

       All four players faced identical charges of indecent conduct, disorderly conduct and lewd or lascivious conduct. Conviction on a single misdemeanor charge is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.