"Athletes as role models and heroes is a hoax, a sick hoax. The men and women who are fighting in Iraq, they are the true heroes"

Gale Sayers is recommending that professional athletes need to not be viewed as role models and heroes. Instead, he thinks that the guys and females battling in Iraq are the true heroes. He thinks that the idea of athletes as good example and heroes is a hoax, a sick hoax. He is indicating that individuals fighting in Iraq are the ones who should be seen as heroes, not professional athletes. He is suggesting that the people battling in Iraq are the ones who must be admired and admired, not athletes. He is attempting to stress the importance of recognizing the bravery and guts of those combating in Iraq, rather than idolizing professional athletes. He is trying to accentuate the real heroes in our society, and to advise us that there are people out there who are sacrificing their lives for our safety and liberty.