The Mainichi, Sunday 23rd October 1949 (Page 2)

Banned From Ring

'Sick' Yokozuna Sees Seals Game In Tokyo

    Sumo champion Maedayama has been forbidden by the Japan sumo Association to appear in further matches of the present sumo main tournament now being held in Osaka.
    Maedayama, who had been in Tokyo since October 14, was ordered by the Sumo Association to return to Osaka and arrived in Osaka October 22 at 9.20 a.m.
    A controversy has arisen because Maedayama, who absented himself from the Osaka tournament allegedly due to illness, was found to have attended the Seals vs. All-East baseball game in Tokyo.


Here's Evidence
    Photo shows Maedayama shaking hands with Seals' coach "Lefty" O'Doul in Tokyo on the day he was absent from the Osaka tournament supposedly because of illness.

    TOKYO, - This is the photo that has caused a big controversy in Japanese sumo circles.
    It all started when Maedayama, sumo champion of "yokozuna" rank, absented himself from the Osaka main tournament reportedly due to illness.
    Instead of recuperating, however, the sumo champion went to Tokyo and attended the Seals' baseball game with the All-Kanto squad. The Sumo circles and fans are ired by what they call Maedayama's "attitude."