Wakanohou arrested for drug possession

[Kintamayama 47,296]

Wakanohou has said during his investigation that he has never smoked with the"other two" . When told about the "other two", he looked a bit surprised. "I was the only one smoking marijuana and the others have nothing to do with it", he said. The police have taken a DNA sample from Rohou, suspecting that he may have used the smoking paraphernalia found in Wakanohou's home. He is known to have frequented Wakanohou's house, as the three are good friends from way back when the brothers' father was Wakanohou's wrestling coach.

[Jonosuke 28]

I am not sure if the police is actually releasing certain information about their interviews with Wakanoho, but according to the latest report, Wakanoho told them he "smoked marijuana with his friends every time" he was back in Russia.

Wakanoho admitted that he started smoking marijuana with his friends five or six years ago but he is insisting this was the first time he smoked it in Japan. "Basically it was more or less for curiosity. I didn't believe it was as serious as getting arrested," Wakanoho reportedly said.

"Around June 20, I had a smoke in a washroom at a Roppongi disco, invited by a non-Japanese male. I started feeling good and wanted to do more so I bought it for 20,000 Yen." The police is treating Wakanoho as a habitual user and is currently trying to trace his suppliers.

On the discovered marijuana cigarette Wakanoho explained he cut and mixed marijuana in the Russian made cigarrette himself at his heya in Magaki Beya so he could smoke it anytime he wanted.

He also admitted that he smoked marijuana both in his own room away from Magaki Beya and in his room in Magaki Beye several times each. "Each time I locked the door so no one including Tsukebito could enter." Wakanoho told the police.

Edited September 5, 2008 by Jonosuke

[Bealzbob 0]

"Each time I locked the door so no one including Tsukebito could enter." Wakanoho told the police.

Police are no doubt testing the 'sense of smell' of all in the heya to see if they can distinguish between the scent of marijuana or indeed the smell of total bullsh*t :)

[Kintamayama 47,296]

Wakanohou will be released without being charged. The Tokyo District Prosecutors Office has decided to release him after an 8 day detention .

(Bearded disguise...) As a first time offender and a minor at the time of the "crime", he will probably not be charged.

Edited September 8, 2008 by Kintamayama

[Otokonoyama 2,735]

Will we be seeing the Ruskies in MMA, or pro-resu someday soon...?

[JariM 29]

Will we be seeing the Ruskies in MMA, or pro-resu someday soon...?

Who knows?

If they would go to MMA it would most likely have to be DREAM or some other Japanese promotion.

Or they could go kickboxing and have their heads kicked off in K-1.

They might also make a nice tag team in puro resu. Two rikishi brothers from russia! BANNED from sumo!

But if they get deported it would be unlikely or even impossible.

And I can't see there being much interest in them outside Japan.

[Peeter 15]

Who's next? (In a state of confusion...)

[Asashosakari 20,272]

Wakanohou will be released without being charged. The Tokyo District Prosecutors Office has decided to release him after an 8 day detention .

(In a state of confusion...) As a first time offender and a minor at the time of the "crime", he will probably not be charged.

Storytime again!

[Otokonoyama 2,735]

A tired-looking, disheveled, very contrite Wakanoho appeared on TV tonight apologizing...

Said what he'd done was a serious matter, and that he was very sorry. He reiterated that it was the first time he'd done pot in Japan, and that the Roho and bro never did any with him.

Edited September 8, 2008 by Otokonoyama

[Kintamayama 47,296]

Wakanohou has spoken to the press for the first time since he was arrested. He was released today pending whatever will happen. "I did a terrible thing. I am sorry. In Japan, the first time I smoked weed was in a Roppongi club after becoming a Sekitori ", said a disheveled Wakanohou. Asked about the brothers, he said: "The two are serious rikishi. I have never smoked with them".

Disheveled:

[Fay 1,677]

poor boy (In a state of confusion...)

Guess we will not see Roho and Hakurozan apologizing for bringing him into this mess and don't take care of him.

[Kintamayama 47,296]

Wow, we even used the same "dishevelled" word..

[Otokonoyama 2,735]

Remember Kinta...puff, puff, PASS!

[Hashira 0]

He also said that he would do anything to be allowed into sumo again, and asked for forgiveness/acceptance from the Kyokai, other rikishi and all Japanese people

think the chances of that are between zero and zilch

[Kintamayama 47,296]

He also said that he would do anything to be allowed into sumo again, and asked for forgiveness/acceptance from the Kyokai, other rikishi and all Japanese people

think the chances of that are between zero and zilch

I'm pretty sure he'll be on the Amateur sumo circuit soon.

[Jonosuke 28]

However he brought shame to Ozumo, Kyokai and his heya buddies, at least they could have done an honor of doing an informal Danpatsu ceremony. Regardless of how he ended his career, he deserves a small measure of respect as a former Sumo man who has made a contribution by progressing to Makuuchi.

The important part of Sumo-doh is to extend a helping hand to the fallen even disgraced when it's all over.

[Jonosuke 28]

Some reports say the three (Roho, Hakurozan, Wakanoho) entered Japan as "performer" work permit with an organization. But now that they have been relieved of the duty unless they would not be able to continue their activity in the next three months, Japan's Immigration and Customs agency could deport them back to their home country.

Since a sumo beya has many connections both political, business and governmental, I am certain it won't come to this.

[Jonosuke 28]

Just in case it was not cleared to some, the prosecutors decided not to proceed with their case (i.e. they are not taking Wakanoho to the criminal court).

Prosecutors often opt for this route after judging the case does not warrant a full court proceeding after considering the character, history, age, background of suspects as well as circumstances and nature of crime despite having enough evidence to prosecute them.

It means Wakanoho is free to go anywhere however a criminal record remains.

[Otokonoyama 2,735]

You may see Wakanoho's press conference here:

http://www.rkb.ne.jp/jnn_news/media/DT2008...43/3943404.html

Alternate link: http://www.nhk.or.jp/news/k10013985081000.html

Edited September 8, 2008 by Otokonoyama

[Asashosakari 20,272]

He also said that he would do anything to be allowed into sumo again, and asked for forgiveness/acceptance from the Kyokai, other rikishi and all Japanese people

think the chances of that are between zero and zilch

If it turns out he's not getting deported/barred from re-entry, I'd actually put the chances at zero plus one epsilon...it's still extremely unlikely, of course, but some type of clemency decision and permission to re-join ozumo before Wakanoho turns 23 wouldn't totally shock me. It's just very hard to figure out which way the Kyokai will drift now...closed-up shop or turning into more of a modern sporting body. If the latter, all types of unprecedented decisions might be in the cards for the next few years. I don't think the shockwaves are over just yet. (Next stop: Sometime after November 10th once the hearings in the Tokitsukaze trial are set to be concluded.)

Edited September 8, 2008 by Asashosakari

[Bealzbob 0]

Just in case it was not cleared to some, the prosecutors decided not to proceed with their case (i.e. they are not taking Wakanoho to the criminal court).

Prosecutors often opt for this route after judging the case does not warrant a full court proceeding after considering the character, history, age, background of suspects as well as circumstances and nature of crime despite having enough evidence to prosecute them.

It means Wakanoho is free to go anywhere however a criminal record remains.

Does this lack of a criminal conviction in any way make it even the remotest possibility that he could ever get back into ozumo ?

[Kintamayama 47,296]

If it turns out he's not getting deported/barred from re-entry, I'd actually put the chances at zero plus one epsilon...it's still extremely unlikely, of course, but some type of clemency decision and permission to re-join ozumo before Wakanoho turns 23 wouldn't totally shock me. It's just very hard to figure out which way the Kyokai will drift now...closed-up shop or turning into more of a modern sporting body. If the latter, all types of unprecedented decisions might be in the cards for the next few years. I don't think the shockwaves are over just yet. (Next stop: Sometime after November 10th once the hearings in the Tokitsukaze trial are set to be concluded.)

I highly doubt that. It has never happened before, and the new Kyokai will not want to be associated with a pothead, as he will be seen in the public eye. No way. Doing something like that will damage the Kyokai in the public eye seriously. They are toast, and will not be here by the end of the month. (I'd say week, before the basho starts, as that is what usually happens-all obstacles removed before the basho). As for their visas, they ought to be void immediately, no?

As for a private danpatsushiki, that could still happen.

Edited September 8, 2008 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 47,296]

Does this lack of a criminal conviction in any way make it even the remotest possibility that he could ever get back into ozumo ?

I'd say the "criminal" aspect is semantics. The "drug smoking" aspect to which he has admitted, will prevent any sort of return. The fact that no one ever returned after cutting his hair won't help either.

[Kintamayama 47,296]

Since a sumo beya has many connections both political, business and governmental, I am certain it won't come to this.

Why do you think anyone in the Sumo world would actually want to help them stay here? They have soiled sumo and all that it stands for in their eyes, so why help them?

[Asashosakari 20,272]

As for their visas, they ought to be void immediately, no?

I'm going by what Jonosuke mentioned above (which is from Mainichi, I think) about their visas expiring if they can't find "sumo work" (obviously only the Kyokai could offer such) within three months. I don't think that's too unusual.