Michael Vick cancels Oprah interview for "personal reasons"

Oprah Winfrey won't snag an interview with Michael Vick after all.

"Michael Vick was scheduled to be a guest on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' for an episode airing next Thursday, February 24," a press release from Winfrey's Harpo Productions explained. "Mr. Vick's representatives called last night to cancel his appearance for personal reasons."

News of the decision by the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback was first widely reported by CNBC's Darren Rovell, who Tweeted the news about 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16.

Winfrey's plan to broadcast a one-on-one interview with Vick was not welcomed by some of her fans.

"I too am horrified that an animal-lover like Oprah would allow her show to be used to generate more PR for a sociopath like Vick," wrote a viewer identified as Amywuk on a Oprah.com message board.

"Oprah has always been about people who are living examples of doing good, who use their fame & fortune to make things better … Give the PR to those who deserve it, who use their celebrity for good, not evil."

The television interview was expected to include discussions about Vick's conviction on federal dogfighting charges.

Vick has renounced dogfighting since his release from prison in 2009.

In April 2007, Vick, a Newport News native and former No. 1 NFL draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2001, was implicated in an illegal interstate dogfighting ring. Several dogs were seized from his property in Surry County.

In August 2007, he pleaded guilty to federal felony charges and served 21 months in prison, followed by two months of in-home confinement.

Vick returned to football in 2009 and was recently named NFL Comeback Player of the Year by The Associated Press.