In case you’re not up on your sumo, our photo here is something you never see. Acting chairman of the Japan Sumo Association Hiroyoshi Murayama, wearing the sport jacket/kimono combo (stylin’), is seen with several of the sport’s top wrestlers at the opening ceremonies of a tournament in Nagoya, Japan, on Sunday. They are bowing to apologize for sumo’s most recent scandal, in which several wrestlers have been caught betting on Japanese baseball, with organized crime figures acting as go-betweens.
The betting scandal indicates that the sport’s involvement with organized crime is more widespread than at first believed, and lends credence to the other big charge; that some sumo matches have been fixed. And of course cell phone text messaging is at the center of the controversy. Japan Today:
Japan Sumo Association Chairman Hanaregoma said on Wednesday he could not confirm the existence of alleged match fixing after questioning 13 people over cell phone text messages that appear to imply that bouts have been rigged.
The JSA, which called a hastily arranged emergency meeting at Ryogoku Kokugikan to question those involved, has set up a special inquiry to get to the bottom of the allegations.
This comes as shocking news: I’ve always believed that immensely large things are inherently trustworthy … like elephants, and Andy Reid.
I hope they get a handle on the problem, because no one wants to see press conference photos like this. Added to the confusion is that match fixing isn’t even illegal in Japan. But in a sport that is already quickly losing popularity with young people, the last thing sumo needs is to become Japan’s version of pro wrestling. As Mr. Sparkle would say, corruption must be banished to the land of wind and ghosts. Out of my way, all of you. This is no place for loafers! Join me or die! Can you do any less?
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JSA chief Hanaregoma says he can’t confirm sumo match fixing [Japan Today]
