Three book-signings by Michael Vick have been cancelled because violent threats, according to Phillymag.com.
Vick was scheduled to sign copies of his autobiography, Finally Free, at Barnes and Noble stores in Atlanta, New Jersey and Exton, Pa. The events were cancelled because of threats directed not only at Vick and Vick's family but also bookstore employees and property. The signing in Atlanta was scheduled for Saturday.
“While we stand by Michael Vick’s right to free speech and the retailers’ right to free commerce, we cannot knowingly put anyone in harm’s way, and therefore we must announce the cancellation of Mr. Vick’s book-signing appearances,” Byron Williamson, president of Worthy Publishing, told Phillymag.com “We’ve been assured these threats of violence, which have been reported to the police, are being taken very seriously by local authorities.”
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According the report, there has been a recent increase in "credible threats of violence" that target Vick and his family. The bookstore's Facebook page also has been inundated with comments protesting the event and threatening Vick.
Before signing with the Eagles in 2009, Vick served 18 months in federal prison for his role in running a dog-fighting operation. Since then he has taken an active role in speaking out against dog fighting. He has worked with the Humane Society to spread awareness of the perils and immorality of animal cruelty, including appearing in an anti dog-fighting ad and lobbying on Capitol Hill for tougher animal cruelty legislation.
In October, Vick acknowledged that he now owns a dog, and last week, according to CrossingBroad.com, was spotted at an area PetSmart taking dog training classes.