[sumo] [spoilers]Takanohana and steroid abuse

[Jezz]

I am not sure whether you are comparing apples with apples.

Takanohana (as far as I am aware) was never caught with a smoking gun
in regards to steroid abuse.  One might think that it is 'obvious' for
all to see, but that is not the case.  I think there was not the
public outcry for him skipping jungyo because it was not the generally
perceived opinion of the public at large that he was on steroids, or
even possibly might be on steroids.  The opinion was that he was
injured, and they all wished him well to recover as soon as possible,
in order to compete in hon-basho.

If the general opinion was that he *might* be on steroids, then
perhaps he would have been treated more like 'Barry Bonds'.

Thinking otherwise would suggest that the sumo-watching public condone
the use of steroids.

In the case of Asashoryu, he was seen doing sport (albeit briefly,
with very good intentions, and possibly under some mild duress) whilst
injured.

Jejima



On 09/12/2007, Scott M. Kahn <smk1 at columbia.edu> wrote:
> As a result of his steroid
> abuse, Takanohana, the most beloved Yokozuna in recent history,
> deprived fans from seeing him at numerous Jungyo.  To me, his
> decision to use steroids was ill advised, he succumbed to the
> pressure of expectations and robbed sumo fans.  The reason there
> was no outcry against Takanohana is obvious, and the reason that
> many people get outraged when presented with these accusations is
> that they would rather not take a critical look at the crown prince
> of sumo of his time.
>
> Sukubidubidu