Yokozuna Asashoryu, who was reported to have punched an associate in a drunken tirade during a recent night out, was strictly reprimanded on Monday, one day after celebrating his 25th Emperor's Cup victory at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
The 29-year-old Asashoryu admitted to drunken conduct, which allegedly took place in downtown Nishiazabu after midnight on the sixth day of the New Year meet, after he was summoned along with his stablemaster Takasago by Japan Sumo Association chairman Musashigawa.
"My drinking alcohol caused a lot of trouble and I feel bad about this. I have reflected on my behavior," Asashoryu said, referring to the article printed in weekly magazine Friday.
In the incident, in which two police cars were reportedly dispatched, Asashoryu slugged one of his managers after leaving a pub in the early morning.