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Vick Helped 'Execute' Dogs: Co-Defendants

Decision remains secret after 9 AM plea deadline passes

By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 17, 2007 11:15 AM CDT

(Newser) – Michael Vick helped hang, drown and otherwise execute around eight dogs in connection with his dog-fighting enterprise—and supplied most of the money for the infamous Bad Newz Kennelz, say his two co-defendants. The three men killed the dogs that "did not perform well in 'testing' sessions'," according to court papers filed as Vick's co-defendants pleaded guilty today.

Federal prosecutors gave Vick until 9AM this morning to accept a plea bargain that would send the 27-year old Atlanta Falcons star to prison for at least one year on dogfighting conspiracy charges—but his decision has not yet been revealed. If Vick turns down the deal, he will be slapped with a racketeering charge and could face up to 20 years behind bars, says an insider.

Michael Vick Summoned to Federal Court
Michael Vick Summoned to Federal Court   (Getty Images)
Atlanta Falcons Training Camp
Atlanta Falcons Training Camp   (Getty Images)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick leaves the federal courthouse in Richmond, Va., following his arraignment on federal dogfighting charges in this July 26, 2007 file photo. Prosecutors have more leverage against Vick now that his remaining two co-defendants decided to plead guilty while he has maintained his innocence in a...
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick leaves the federal courthouse in Richmond, Va., following his arraignment on federal dogfighting charges in this July 26, 2007 file photo. Prosecutors have more...   (Associated Press)
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