japan today: Yokozuna council warns Asashoryu to behave himself

["Rowan Klein" <rowanchan@hotmail.com>]

http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=6&id=261127

Yokozuna council warns Asashoryu to behave himself

Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at 05:49 JST
TOKYO ? The Yokozuna Deliberation Council on Monday sent a warning to 
yokozuna Asashoryu, winner of the just-ended Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, 
through his stablemaster over his disreputable behavior in the ring during 
the tourney.

Council members discussed the Mongolian's glaring at his countryman No. 3 
maegashira Kyokushuzan and his trying to contest a loss on the ninth day of 
the 15-day event and concluded that his actions were lacking in the decent 
attitude required of a grand champion.

The council, however, decided not to impose any "tangible" punishment on the 
22-year-old Asashoryu, who won his first tourney title as yokozuna on 
Sunday, and asked Japan Sumo Association chairman Kitanoumi and stablemaster 
Takasago to see to it that he behaves in a manner worthy of a yokozuna.

In the bout on May 19, Asashoryu, known for his often truculent and stormy 
nature, pointed outside the ring, suggesting Kyokushuzan had stepped out of 
bounds and apparently bumped the shoulder of his compatriot when exiting.

He also wielded his "sagari" ? the ornamental cords hanging from the front 
of a sumo wrestler's belt ? in the ring in an apparent fit of anger.

Tsuneo Watanabe, one of the council members, said, "I told the council 
everything I had to tell them. We discussed his pointing a finger to contest 
the judge's decision in favor of Kyokushuzan and wielding his sagari. I got 
the impression the same kind of things won't happen again, as Mr Takasago 
said he will severely warn him."

Yoshio Ishibashi, head of the council, said, "Since Asashoryu has an 
unyielding disposition, he acted that way unconsciously. But that is not a 
good attitude. Since stablemaster Takasago said he will guide him properly, 
we at the council will put an end to this problem."

For his part, Takasago, former ozeki Asashio, said, "I will continue to be 
firmly responsible for his attitude. He is repentant now, and his attitude 
in his ensuing bouts improved." (Kyodo News)

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