[sumo] [spoilers]Asashoryu's open armed and beloved return.

[Scott M. Kahn]

Moti,

You bring up many issues, I'll try to respond in separate posts out
of time considerations.

Let's start with Takanohana and his alleged steroid abuse.

If you are wondering whether I had access to his urine sample test
results, if they were ever performed, or information about how he
may have dabbled in pharmaceuticals, I admit, I was not privy to
this first hand information.

My personal conclusion that Takanohana was a steroid abuser is based
on public information and changes in his appearance over the years.

Takanohana and Mark McGwire have shared a number of physical
similarities, rapid weight and muscle gain during the time when
steroid abuse allegedly began, similar problems with their facial
appearance, and similar weight loss after retirement, faster than
what would be expected if steroid abuse wasn't involved, almost to
the point that they don't resemble themselves.

I'm sure you remember that as Yokozuna, Takanohana was out because
of liver problems, consistent with toxicity from oral anabolic
steroid abuse.  And, Takanohana's knee problems are consistent with
the effects of stresses from abnormal muscle buildup and weight gain
(see exhibit B, Barry Bonds).

Add to this the expectations thrust upon Takanohana to uphold sumo
royalty against the likes of Akebono, and you have your motive.

So, now I'd like to ask you a simple yes or no question, no
qualifiers allowed.  Do you, yourself really believe that
Takanohana did not abuse steroids?

Sukubidubidu