Scandals Plague Japanese Sumo Culture

The first scandal broke in August when police found a marijuana cigarette inside 20-year-old Russian wrestler Wakanoho's wallet.

Wakanoho was born Gagloev Soslan Aleksandrovich in Russia's North Ossetia region. He became the first active sumo wrestler banned for life by sumo's governing body. He later apologized at a news conference.

"I have caused great trouble for the Japanese Sumo Association," Wakanoho said. "I am sorry for this. And to all the Japanese people, I am sorry."

Two other Russian wrestlers were recently barred from the sport for allegedly smoking pot, another wrestler was beaten to death in an apparent hazing incident and Mongolian grand champion Asashoryu has been accused of faking an injury.