Earlier this week, Michael Vick had to cancel an appearance at an Atlanta-area Barnes & Noble following multiple threats against him, his family and store employees. He was there to promote his book, Finally Free. Vick, who served 21 months in federal prison on dogfighting charges, returned to football in 2009 and has been actively trying to rehabilitate his image ever since. And, on Saturday, he had a question for those overzealous critics who might've been responsible for the death threats: "Why would you continue to bash somebody who's trying to help make the world a better place? … "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's Robert Klemko by phone during an appearance at a suburban Atlanta church for a charity event for juvenile offenders. "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." For now -- threats or not -- Vick will resume his book tour. "It wasn't so much fear, but you have to take precaution for yourself and your family, and for other people as well," he told Klemko. "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. 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?" Source: CBS Sports
