TOKYO (AP) — The Japan Sumo Association has banned wrestler Kotomitsuki and coach Otake from Japan’s national sport for gambling on baseball.
The Kyodo News agency reported the JSA made the decision Sunday.
The 34-year-old Kotomitsuki, who holds the second-highest rank, revealed last month that he bet on professional baseball games. Otake, a leading coach, acknowledged running up betting debts of more than $50,000.
An internal survey by the JSA last month found at least 65 of its members had been involved in illegal gambling, allegedly involving gangster middlemen.
The scandal is the latest to tarnish the image of Japan’s ancient sport.
