re: Akebono's status (finally)

[Riley@hachi.hi-tech.ac.jp]

> So someone tell me what the rules are - Since Akebono has now sat out
> two bashos, he's definitely "kadoban", right? Or are things different
> for a yokozuna? What happens if he should want to sit out the next
> Basho? Is this likely? Perhaps his knee damage really *is* serious....

There is no kadoban for Yokozuna, but as things worsen, the pressure
to retire increases.  The position of Yokozuna carries a lot of
responsibility in the sumo world, and is not to be treated lightly.
If Akebono were to sit out the Kyushu Basho as well, I'm sure the
calls for his retirement would get pretty loud.  I don't think that
would be happening, though.  He was 12-3 in the special practice held
last week, which ain't bad by anyone's standard.  The Kyokai itself
recommended that he sit out again, as he didn't look up to par, and
Akebono concurred.  I think the Kyokai is smart by seeing that a
100% recovery is the most important thing here, and will best serve
the interests of sumo by letting Akebono come back to his real form,
instead of slowly degrading as Konishiki has.

Mata nee....
 
David
riley@hachi.hi-tech.ac.jp