"Any publicity is good publicity"

[Mikiro]

For the first time since at least 1986, Sumo has received coverage in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta's only newspaper. The coverage is not on the sports page but instead on the front page with a direction to A5 for the AP article entitled "Hey, big guy, no fair - leggo the hair." There spread across 5 columns, the entire page, is an article concerning Asashoryu's recent tonsorial tussle with Kyokushuzan including a rather indicting picture. The article mentions various headlines from Japanese newspapers and the comments of a fishmonger named Toshikazu Sudo likening the event to Mike Tyson's attempt to separate Atlanta's own Evander Holyfield from one of his ears. Isn't that a peach, a Yokozuna being compared to the felonious Mike Tyson. Since 99.9% of the readers of this article in Atlanta have no idea what Sumo really is, they will probably see little difference between it and the antics of the professional wrestlers in the WWE. Assuming that P. T. Barnham was right though, at least Sumo got a mention and it was in the "A" section to boot. If anyone cares to respond I would be interested if the recent unpleasantness has recieved coverage in any of your local media. I want to thank all of the forum's contributors over the years for their many cogent and insightful comments which have enhanced my education in Sumo and enjoyment of same although I feel unworthy in the face of such superior knowledge.

[Iwagakki]

Asashoryu shouldn't even be mentioned in the same sentence as that sociopath. I mean, really, a little attitude is one thing, but it's not like he bit someone on the mawashi or something...

[Naifuzan]

I think yubi mentioned it in another topic somewhere, but there was a small article in the swedish newspapers about it. Just saying that its the first time a yokozuna was disqualified. Nothing big, but at least something.

I agree that all publicity is good publicity. Especially when it comes to sumo in sweden =)

[Zenjimoto]

I find it ludicrous to compare Asashoryu who has a little temper, to a convicted sex offender and serial violent criminal who has spent three years in prison (never mind that ear-thing and other constant sociopathic behavior which I can not believe the boxing world is willing to keep putting up with).

A testament of poor journalism in the Atlanta paper, I'm afraid. (Sign of disapproval) (Sign of disapproval) (Sign of disapproval)

Jeers

Zenjimoto

Edited July 21, 2003 by Zenjimoto

[Fujisan]

I dont think I have ever seen Sumo mentioned in British papers period-They prefer the over acting of professional wrestling to the beautiful art of Sumo.

[Feginowaka]

You won't believe it, but even in a Liechtenstein newspaper (normally 16-24 pages) once there was Sumo mentioned!

After last year's Natsu Yusho, there was quite a big picture (15x15 cm) of Musa holding the Emperor's cup with some supporters in the background, with a slightly funny text underneath.

[Mikiro]

Zenjimoto,

I will put the Atlanta Journal Constitution up against any other major city's newspaper as being the worst imaginable. However, the article concerning Asashoryu was an Associated Press article, not an AJC effort, and the comparing to Mike Tyson was a quote from a Japanese fishmonger, which may be an indictment of the level of the AP.

Maybe slightly off topic, but I saw during a Japan TV sports report today July 21 Kitanoumi making some kind of a statement concerning Asashoryu. If anyone knows what he said I would be interested.

Mikiro

[Yoavoshimaru]

Kitanoumi Rijicho's statement is on another thread in the Ozumo Discussions area: it's noncomittal (Applauding...)

The quality of newspapers and articles is always very subjective and contested (Shaking head...)

[Ryunokaze]

The last time I recall Grand Sumo in Australian media it was about women not being allowed onto the doyho,way back in 1999 I think.Australians tend to disregard Sumo due to the average ability of people to put aside preconcived misconceptions.I am sure all here understand.Its unfortunate as many miss out on much. :-S