Eagles quarterback Michael Vick calls off book signings after threats

FILE - In this Dec. 31, 2012 file photo, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick speaks to members of the media as he cleans out his locker at the team's NFL football training facility in Philadelphia. Vick's book-signing tour has been canceled because of threats against him for running a dogfighting ring. Vick was scheduled to sign copies of his autobiography "Finally Free," at Barnes & Noble stores in Atlanta, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The March 26, 2013, appearance set for Exton, Pa., was listed as canceled on the company's website. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
FILE - In this Dec. 31, 2012 file photo, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick speaks to members of the media as he cleans out his locker at the team's NFL football training facility in Philadelphia. Vick's book-signing tour has been canceled because of threats against him for running a dogfighting ring. Vick was scheduled to sign copies of his autobiography "Finally Free," at Barnes & Noble stores in Atlanta, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The March 26, 2013, appearance set for Exton, Pa., was listed as canceled on the company's website. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File) (Matt Rourke)
FILE - In this Dec. 31, 2012 file photo, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick speaks to members of the media as he cleans out his locker at the team's NFL football training facility in Philadelphia. Vick's book-signing tour has been canceled because of threats against him for running a dogfighting ring. Vick was scheduled to sign copies of his autobiography "Finally Free," at Barnes & Noble stores in Atlanta, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The March 26, 2013, appearance set for Exton, Pa., was listed as canceled on the company's website. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)GALLERY: FILE - In this Dec. 31, 2012 file photo, Philadelphia Eagles… (Matt Rourke )
By Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
Posted: March 13, 2013

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick has suspended a scheduled book tour because he has received threats through social media, his spokesman said Monday night.

Vick has been promoting his autobiography, Finally Free.

The book tour included stops at Barnes & Noble stores in Exton and in Northvale, N.J. His next appearance was scheduled to be on Saturday in Atlanta. Vick appeared without incident at a bookstore in Charlotte, N.C., on March 2.

"Michael Vick is committed to helping make his community a better place," Chris Shigas, a spokesman for Vick, said in an e-mail. "He is one of the most active players in the NFL in terms of community service. It is a shame that a few extremists would threaten violence to try and prevent him from meeting fans and inspiring them to make positive choices."

The bookstores where Vick was scheduled to appear received threats, Shigas said.

The Facebook page promoting the event was filled with threatening and vulgar messages. Vick has been controversial figure since 2007, when he pleaded guilty to organizing a dogfighting ring. He served 19 months in prison before he was released in May 2009.

Vick joined the Eagles later that summer, starting a career renaissance. Last month, the Eagles restructured the quarterback's contract, keeping him in Philadelphia.

Vick made news in October when he posted a photograph on Twitter revealing signs that he had a dog in his home.

After confirming that he owned a dog, he released a statement that said: "I understand the strong emotions by some people about our family's decision to care for a pet."

Vick is expected to begin working with the Eagles coaches to prepare for the 2013 season on April 1.

Index by Keyword
|
Index by Date
|
About Philly.com
|
Contact Us
|
Terms of Use & Privacy Statement
|
Copyright 2013