Vick Helped 'Execute' Dogs: Co-Defendants

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. (More Michael Vick stories.)