Michael Vick canceled a few appearances on his book tour because he and his family were receiving death threats. Vick has decided to resume the tour but has a question for those “activist” who feel that threatening his life is the proper approach:
”Why would you continue to bash somebody who’s trying to help make the world a better place?”
Four days after his publisher, concerned about death threats he and his family received, canceled a series of appearances by Vick to help promote his autobiography, “Finally Free,” Vick appeared at a suburban Atlanta church for a charity event for juvenile offenders Saturday afternoon, and signed autographs also.
Animal rights activist are still targeting Vick following his 2007 conviction for dog fighting. Vick has served his time, partnered with the Humane society and just in general tried to show that he’s learned from his past mistakes and moved on.
“A lot of people are sick and tired of hearing about my past, because there are so many other problems that are going on in this world that need to have attention drawn to them,” Vick told USA TODAY Sports. ”People are dying every day, children are being killed, going to jail. Not to say I overlook what I’ve done, but I try to do outreach as a positive.
“That’s my responsibility. That’s what I’m going to continue to do. That’s what’s important. Those people are not important.”
Vick admitted he suspended the tour due to concerns he had about the safety of others, not necessarily himself.
“It wasn’t so much fear, but you have to take precaution for yourself and your family, and for other people as well,” he said. “I knew a lot of people were going to be at the signings, and I didn’t want to put anyone in jeopardy.
“I think the small fraction of people who are still making these derogatory comments and thinking irrationally, they’re in a league of their own. But we won’t let it stop us from what we’re trying to do.”
“We’re definitely going to finish the book tour,” he said. “Even if it happens again, we’re still going to move forward, but we’ll do it in a totally different way. The book is doing great because of all the attention it’s gotten in the last couple days, so what more can I ask for?”
It’s crazy to me that in trying to show what a “monster” Vick was, people are threatening him and his family, as if that behavior is ok. I’m still unclear how they feel they’re contributing to make the world a better place by these actions.
Curtsy to USA Today Sports
