Jaakunakunshu

All I see is the shadow of Asanoyama falling.

Yeah, as tempting as it is to start with the conspiracy theories, I really do think it's a bad call made by an inadequate judging system. If Minato oyakata was convinced he saw Tochinoshin's foot go out, and no one was in a position to contradict him (although surely the gyoji had a clear view as well), then that's the decision they were going to go with. It's silly that all these shimpan were involved in the discussion when they had no idea what the situation was, and silly that the people who had access to the video replay were allowed to just throw up their hands and say they weren't sure. The other shimpan should have either pressed for more details (like asking the video booth guys 'did you see sand fly up with Tochinoshin's foot?') or been allowed to see replays for themselves.

Ah, I see what you mean. And I totally agree, best comparison is in the reactions of the competitors. If a call like that had happened in football or tennis or something, they would have argued or complained, but even with as much on the line as he had, Tochinoshin knew there was nothing he could do but bow his head and walk to the back. For us fans, though, the emotion of watching what seems to be a clear cut travesty of a call is just as painful as it would be in other sports, especially given how people have been rooting for Tochinoshin to get back to ozeki.

You're more entertaining than the commentators, though (well maybe except when Murray and John are on).

Really? I don't think people being upset over bad referee calls is unusual in other sports.

Would you still say that based on the picture above showing the lack of a sand mark after Tochinoshin's foot moves but before Asanoyama lands? Because that seems pretty conclusive to me.

11. Kotoshogiku

9. Mitakeumi

8. Mitakeumi

7. Ichinojo

6. Ichinojo

5. Ichinojo

4. Takayasu

Well, with Hakuho out, I'm changing my picks to: 1. Takayasu 2. Kakuryu

1. Goeido 2. Kakuryu