[sumo] Proposed solution to Kyokai-gate

[Scott Kahn]

It is obvious to me that all reports on "Kyokai-gate" are devoid of any 
true facts.  I view the reports as Asashoryu's frustration and contempt 
for the Kyokai's sell-out to certain frenzied oyakata and simultaneous 
backtrack on agreements regarding Asashoryu's freedom to travel.  If you 
decide to scoff at my interpretation, this is as valid as all others, 
given the baseless reporting by the media and the select sound bytes.

In any event, may I propose that we come up with our own solutions to 
this situation, with hopeful wishing that there are influential members 
from among the mailing list who might have the ear of the Kyokai.

Apart from a forced retirement for Asashoryu, which I think would 
severely damage the integrity of the Kyokai, I would suggest the following-

1.  Maintain the two tournament penalty.  For the Kyokai to reverse 
itself while maintaining face would be an impossiblity, as they have dug 
this hole for themselves.
2.  As a public face, involve the Mongolian government.  Acknowledge 
that the demands on Asashoryu were greater than the Kyokai itself.  This 
would partially absolve Asashoryu of the responsibility of participating 
in the goodwill soccer match.  State that the Kyokai acknowledges such 
demands on Asashoryu and will work accordingly in the future with the 
Mongolian government and powers to be so that such situations will not 
occur in the future.
3. Asashoryu's public apology for not participating in the Jungyo and 
his statement that he will do his best to participate in the future.
4. Public acknowledgement of an agreement that Asashoryu has the right 
of return to Mongolia between now and the January basho.
5.  A joint statement to the public that Asashoryu and the Kyokai will 
do their best to promote sumo together for the fans of sumo.  
Rehabilitation of Asashoryu's image in concert with  the Kyokai.
6.  Stern warnings to all oyakata that story planting in the press about 
Asashoryu will not be tolerated.
7.  Stern warnings to Asashoryu to curtail behavior on the dohyo that 
may be interpreted as non-Yokozuna-like.

I'll leave the many other Kyokai shortcomings alone for the moment.

Sukubidubidu

Moti wrote:

> Isenoumi Oyakata went to the Ministry of Education, Culture, 
> Sports,Science and Technology today to explain the Asashouryuu 
> situation. The visit lasted some 40 minutes. "House arrest? What house 
> arrest? No one said he is totally prohibited from leaving his house. 
> After all, he will be going to the hospital for treatment etc.. From 
> the Kyokai's point of view after he serves the 'punishment' we expect 
> the return of a genki Yokozuna!!", he explained. On August 3rd, Ibuki 
> Bunmei, the cabinet minister made it clear that he wanted to see a 
> "normal show of leadership" in this matter, candidly saying what he 
> thought on this matter.
>
> Asashouryuu will restart his medical treatments on August 16th. 
> Takasago did another 180 degree flip-first he wanted as many 
> physicians to see Asa as possible, but now he has agreed to wait for 
> the Kyokai's doctor (the first one to examine him) to return from his 
> overseas trip, and they will commence on the 16th. "It's best that the 
> same man continues seeing him, rather than many different doctors. 
> Quietly being left alone is a treatment in itself... He won't be 
> hospitalized any time soon", he said. As for the physical injuries in 
> his left elbow and back, the Oyakata explained that Asa's personal 
> trainer will be taking care of those.
>