Nah, they're correct. Calories are the determining factor for controlling weight. But intake aren't the only numbers on a calorie balance sheet, workouts go on there too as subtractions. If you want to lose weight you make sure that your daily total leaves you at a deficit (Negative number). Athletes are usually already at their target weight and so they just make sure their daily numbers work out to somewhere around zero total.
I would feel negligent if I didn't also mention to other readers: This is just for weight. If you want to be healthy, it's important to also get proper vitamin, mineral, and protein intake daily regardless of caloric in/out.