“I feel heavily responsible for failing to protect my trainee wrestlers”, Hakuho told reporters gathered outside his stable on Friday. “I’m deeply sorry for causing worry to many sumo fans and supporters,” the former champion said, before bowing deeply. After dismissal and a recommendation to retire, demotion in rank is seen as the most serious punishment for sumo elders. I’m very sorry,” Hokuseiho told reporters, adding that he planned to retire from the ancient sport. Even after learning of his protege’s misconduct, the sumo great didn’t swiftly take action to report it to JSA officials in charge of compliance, NHK quoted the committee as saying.
