[sumo] [spoilers]Takanohana and steroid abuse

[Scott Kahn]

And, if the Kyokai had the guts to set an example for the public about 
steroid abuse, they would initiate these investigations to show that no 
rikishi, no matter how revered, is above such standards.  There are many 
creative ways for the Kyokai to let Takanohana off the hook, while 
admonishing him for past steroid abuse.

But that won't happen.  A rikishi's health has been demonstrated by the 
Kyokai to be worth less than the image the Kyokai goes through all pains 
to maintain.

Asashoryu was penalized so heavily is because he broke the first 
commandment of the Kyokai- "Thou shalt hold thyself in a manner that 
best serves the Kyokai's interests and image and bottom line".  The 
second commandment is- "Thou shalt heed the first commandment in all 
situations".

If, indeed, Takanohana abused steroids, he was following those 
commandments.  Tokitaizan was not, hence the delay in the internal 
Kyokai investigation until after manslaughter charges were brought.  
Right and Wrong are not to be judged with outside values.  At least the 
Kyokai finally acknowledges that baseball bats are meant for a different 
sport and have no place in sumo.

The Kyokai needs further reform, in my opinion.

Sukubidubidu

Charles Beauchamp wrote:

>A bad call by an honest official demonstrating human
>error is in no way a much bigger issue today or 40
>years ago then the intentional abuse of dangerous
>(whether legal or not) drugs by the presumed standard
>bearer of the sport.  If anything such abuse (whether
>legal or not) is infinitely more dangerous since every
>available study and evidence shows that #1 such drugs
>kill and thus #2 should be discouraged.  This is not a
>cultural editorial.  Just plain self evident fact. 
>Asashoryu is held to an absurd standard by his
>detractors..a standard that no Yokozuna in history
>would lived up to.  None.
>