[sumo] Comments on Scott's reaction to Asashoryu's suspension

[Scott Kahn]

Robert,

Stress fractures aren't what you imply.  From what I have read, 
depending on the nature of the stress fracture, yes, Asashoryu could 
have safely participated in the soccer match without further injuring 
himself.  This has to do with the forces and torque on the stress 
fracture and the angle of the fracture.  There is a possiblity that his 
participation could have had no damaging effect at all.  In fact, it is 
my understanding that these could take years to develop from repeated 
stresses to the point that they become painful.

As Lynn said, and I paraphrase in my own words, Japan is Japan.  I've 
been in political situations with cancer researchers in Japan that I did 
not at the time, and still do not understand.  The rules of the Kyokai 
are even more deeply entrenched.  To me, the forces to be in the Kyokai 
are missing a wonderful opportunity to showcase the beauty of sumo 
internationally, especially with Asashoryu as an ambassador.  But they 
don't want that.

Bottom line, it obvioiusly doesn't matter what is right in this case.  
The Kyokai dictates what is right in sumo.  It also doesn't matter which 
is more important, the death of a lowly ranked rikishi or an absent 
Yokozuna, apparently it is how each is perceived and how each affects 
the bottom line.

I wonder whether the Kyokai will now forbid its members and elders from 
frequenting pachinko parlors and associating with less than respectable 
individuals, since such a high value is placed on perception.

Lastly, I bring up for instigating purposes that the four latest 
censures were against Asashoryu, Roho, Kyokutenho, and Kyokushuzan (if 
one assumes a forced retirement).  Hmmmn.

Sukubidubidu
(and I do love Japan)


Robert Hovestadt wrote:

> It would seem to this Sumo follower that the incident of the young
>wrestlers death has gone to the back burner, but it may be quite different
>for those with access to Japanese publications [and the ability to read
>them].
>
>Question to Sukubidubidu:
>       {I do not disagree with your assessment of the man, as I have never
>met him.}
>
>        Does an intelligent young man [who handed in a medical certificate]
>with a fractured vertebrae in his back [my lay translation of what was
>meant] go out and play football [soccer] in a very public event? I don't
>claim to be the most intelligent person in the world, but if I was told i
>had a 'fractured back' I would not even run much less play football
>[soccer].
>
>
>I agree with Lynn's assessment of why Sumo will not change. Sumo is what it
>is and if you want to be a part of it you must accept that.
>
>Bob
>_______________________________________________
>Sumo mailing list
>Sumo at webtrek.com
>http://www.webtrek.com/mailman/listinfo/sumo
>  
>