Every sport has its ups and downs. Every sport has its bad boys. Sumo, in as far as it is classified as a sport, is no different.

While allegations of bout fixing have long been circulated by what many would classify the lower ranks of the Japanese media, they remain unproven and, to date, wholly unfounded.

Violations of Japanese gun laws, involvement with the domestic underworld and problematic gambling habits have all surfaced in the not-too-distant past. Throw in assault of person and property as well.