Mike Ditka is backing Gale Sayers in his back-and-forth with Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher. The war of words started May 4, when Sayers criticized Jay Cutler's performance in 2009, questioned the future of coach Lovie Smith and wondered how well Urlacher will come back from season-ending wrist surgery. Urlacher responded in a Chicago Tribune article Thursday by ripping Sayers for criticizing the Bears and questioning Sayers' credentials because the Hall of Fame running back never won a championship, or even a playoff game. "I like Brian Urlacher a lot, I think he's one heck of a football player," Ditka said Friday on "Mike & Mike In The Morning " on ESPN Radio. "It's unfortunate to have this in the Bears family. I don't like it. "I don't think Gale was being that critical, honestly. I think somebody asked him a question. They asked him about the state of the Chicago Bears. He answered very honestly what he thought about Cutler. He answered very honestly what he thought about the coach. Brian's coming off an injury. Brian's a great football player, he has to stay healthy, there's no question about that. Nobody can play when they're hurt. "So I don't know where it was so inflammatory. I didn't see that. And I understand, your feathers get ruffled here and there. When somebody sees something they think is wrong, I don't think it's wrong to say it. Sometimes criticism pointed in the right direction can help you."