I was saddened to read the remarks made by Dennis Rodman, the US basketball legend, at his recent booksigning session in Churchill Square (The Argus, February 13).

His talent has lent him iconic status around the world, especially among young players, many of whom idolise him.

However, with fame should come responsibility. Surely he and his sponsors realise his announcement that he wanted to meet Brighton's "dirty girls" and would be visiting the local lap-dancing and gay clubs will severely damage his reputation and that of basketball, not to mention the disillusion it will cause his fans when they discover their idol has feet of clay.

Young people need heroes. One of mine was the great Mohammed Ali. Don't let them down, Dennis.

-Alan Nunn, Hove