[sumo] Proposed solution to Kyokai-gate

[Kuramarujo]

On Mon, 2007-08-13 at 11:32 -0400, Scott Kahn wrote:

> 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. 

	Scott, you really gotta stop holding your feelings in like this.  ;-)

	Here's my -$0.02 on your thoughts...


> 1.  Maintain the two tournament penalty.  For the Kyokai to reverse 
> itself while maintaining face would be an impossibility, as they have
> dug this hole for themselves.

	Absolutely.  Whether you feel it's a dug hole or proper action, the
deed is done and everyone should move on.

> 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.

	There is something to this.  Gaijin rikishi bring an added logistical
piece to the puzzle.  A Japanese Yokozuna, for example, would not need
to travel anywhere to fulfill any national or local obligations.  I'm
not sure that Involving the Mongolian government is necessary, though.

> 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.

	Absolutely.  Right, wrong or indifferent, this is part of the price for
being a rikishi (especially a Yokozuna).

> 4. Public acknowledgment of an agreement that Asashoryu has the right
> of return to Mongolia between now and the January basho.

	I'm not completely sold on this.  Maybe he could go back for a week
over the next four months.  I don't know.

> 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.

	That would be a refreshing happenstance but I don't see it happening.

> 6.  Stern warnings to all oyakata that story planting in the press
> about Asashoryu will not be tolerated.

	Stern warnings to all oyakata that story planting in the press about
ANY rikishi will not be tolerated.

> 7.  Stern warnings to Asashoryu to curtail behavior on the dohyo that 
> may be interpreted as non-Yokozuna-like.

	On and off the doyho would be better.

	Ok, now I owe the list $0.02 for my comments.


-- 
Joe "Kuramarujo" Klemmer
http://www.webtrek.com/joe/sumo