Vick advised to accept deal

Michael Vick's lawyers have advised him to accept a plea deal from federal prosecutors in his dogfighting case, a person with direct knowledge of the case told The New York Times.

Vick has until 9 this morning to accept the deal, the person said. The deal would most likely come with a recommendation from prosecutors that the Atlanta Falcons quarterback be sentenced to 1-2 years in prison.

If Vick decides not to take the deal, prosecutors plan on bringing more charges against him.

Vick faces three felony charges related to dogfighting and could face up to five years in prison and as much as a $250,000 fine.

Two of Vick's three codefendants -- Purnell A. Peace and Quanis L. Phillips -- were scheduled to plead guilty this morning in Richmond. Tony Taylor, the third defendant, pleaded guilty in the case July 30 and agreed to testify against the others.

The Giants and Jets closed deals for $1.3 billion in financing for a stadium the franchises are teaming to build. Each team completed a separate $650 million financing deal. The open-air facility at the Meadowlands Sports Complex is expected to open in 2010 and seat 82,500. The teams expect a formal groundbreaking ceremony next month. Excavation work is already being done at the site, near the existing Giants Stadium . . . Packers coach Mike McCarthy said the team has decided to cut ties with wide receiver Robert Brooks, who spent six seasons in Green Bay.