Asashoryu , in yahoo

Mongolian sumo star returns to Japan, apologizes for creating stir over skipped exhibition

By JIM ARMSTRONG, AP Sports Writer
November 30, 2007

TOKYO (AP) -- The bad boy of sumo returned to Japan, vowing to clean up his act and restore his image.

After a two-month stay in his native Mongolia, Asashoryu held a news conference in Tokyo on Friday to apologize for a series of transgressions that sullied the image of Japan's ancient sport.

In July, he was slapped with a two-tournament ban and a pay cut for playing a charity soccer match in Ulan Bator after skipping an exhibition sumo tournament in Japan. He claimed he was injured.

"I sincerely apologize for having created a great disturbance to everyone for such a long time," Asashoryu said. "I will deliver a total effort from now on, and I hope to have your support."

Asashoryu, a winner of 21 tournament titles, holds the highest rank in the ancient sport.

Like all wrestlers, grand champions are expected to adhere to sumo traditions and avoid controversy. He received one of the harsher punishments given to a grand champion.

Asashoryu is expected to take part in a regional tour beginning on Sunday, and the next major tournament starts in January.

Asashoryu withdrew after his suspension and was diagnosed with a stress disorder. He returned to Mongolia to seek treatment and recover from injuries.

"Being back in my hometown was good medicine for my soul," the 27-year-old said.

"Everybody was looking forward to seeing me in the exhibition, but I didn't live up to my responsibilities as grand champion," he added. "I want to start afresh to make up for what I lack in character and cultivate myself further."

Most Japanese felt the punishment fit the crime but some speculated Asashoryu got harsher treatment because he's not Japanese.

In December of 2000, maegashira Toki, who is Japanese, hit and killed a pedestrian while driving in Osaka. He was suspended for only one tournament.

Expectations, both in and out of the ring, are high for grand champions. They are expected to set an even higher example of humility and devotion to the sport.

But allegations arose he underreported his taxes, and he was accused of being involved in a bout-rigging scandal by a tabloid-style weekly magazine in January. While the JSA investigated and determined there was no wrongdoing on his part, it damaged his reputation.

He also was involved in a hair-pulling episode earlier in his career when he yanked the topknot of fellow Mongolian Kyokushuzan during a bout. Hair-pulling in sumo is akin to ear-biting in boxing, and never before had a grand champion lost a bout for resorting to it.

Sumo currently has only two grand champions. The other, Hakuho, is also from Mongolia.

from www.yahoo.com