Sumo Wrestler Scandal: Smoking Weed More Widespread Than Initially Thought

Michael Phelps Not the Only Athlete Caught Smoking Weed

Sumo wrestling is Japan's most ancient and revered sport, a sport rooted in religious purification rituals according to a report by Associated Press. The tradition-bound sport of Sumo wrestling recently introduced drug testing and so far, four Sumo wrestlers have been charged with smoking weed. Smoking weed is becoming more common place in drug free Japan despite a stiff five year jail sentence for possession reports the Associated Press. Imagine the outrage of USA swimming when golden boy Michael Phelps was caught, bong in hand, smoking weed for the entire world to see. The Japan Sumo Association is now contending with four of its athletes charged with smoking weed in a country that believes to stain the heart of Sumo is to stain the heart of Japan itself AP reports.

In Japan, a Sumo wrestler is expected to live a traditional life of discipline. AP reports a Sumo wrestler wears his hair in a topknot, will dress in traditional robes and will train at a communal stable. The wrestlers at the heart of the Sumo scandal came from stables with new and often younger coaches and discipline may not have been as rigorous as in old days many believe according to the Associated Press.

In Sumo wrestling, the goal is to push your opponent out of the ring or make them touch the dirt using any part of your body other than the souls of your feet. AP reports, the Sumo wrestler can weigh up to 550 pounds and will fight in five 16 day tournaments a year. The iconic size of the Sumo wrestler makes me wonder if anyone in the Japan Sumo Association has considered that weed smoking in Sumo wrestling might be part of the training program. According to Dr. Paul Mallet of the University of New England, an increase in appetite is a well known side effect of smoking weed. It seems logical that an athlete trying to attain a weight of 550 pounds might consider smoking weed to increase appetite and gain weight. In Sumo marijuana might be considered a performance enhancing drug.