[sumo] More Comments

[Scott Kahn]

Are you claiming that xenophobia played absolutely no part in the 
suspension of Asashoryu?  That this was simply based on merits and his 
"bad boy" image?   Need I remind some people that it has been reported 
on this list that Asashoryu  has taken it upon himeself at past tours 
and exhibitions to act as sumo ambassador, long after all others had 
left. And, do we easily forget his subpar physical condition during the 
past three tournaments, and how he continued against Hakuho despite 
being injured so that Hakuho's yokozuna promotion would require a 
yokozuna hurdle?

It is my opinion, and I respectfully bring this up in this forum for 
discussion, that to ignore the history of xenophobia within the Kyokai 
also ignores a large, if not the major factor surrounding this incident 
and the resulting suspension.  I deeply feel that the Kyokai has grossly 
mismanaged its relationship with Asashoryu, and the qualities that he 
brings to the table.  They have cornered themselves into continued 
xenophobic accusations, instead of working with Asashoryu and his 
strengths in promoting sumo.

Then again, a well rested and healed Asashoryu will be scary next year.  
I just hope he gets cable during his house arrest.

Sukubidubidu



Pierre Wohlleben wrote:

>Scott Kahn wrote:
>  
>
>>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.
>>    
>>
>
>How quickly people forget Sadogatake-beya's Kotokanyu who beat up another rikishi backstage and was promptly shamed into retirement. Happened less than a year ago, *to a Japanese rikishi*, and one who was of much lower profile than Asashoryu or any of the others you mention. I really wish people stepped back and took off their "xenophobic Kyokai"-coloured glasses for a bit, because some of the claims made here on the SML (which seem to be getting majority approval, to boot) have been bordering on the ridiculous these last few days.
>
>BTW, how was Kyokushuzan censured? The recent articles insinuated that, if anything, he resigned because of the threat of blackmail from outside. Maybe the Kyokai would have insisted on his intai eventually, but in that case Shuzan decided to go out on his own before things even got that far. You may want to assume a forced retirement to bolster your argument, but it's not exactly factual, at least as things stand right now. (It's always possible for more information to come to light, of course...kinda like what has bitten Asashoryu in the rear this past week.)
>
>Asashosakari
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