Sumo Wrestlers Caught Up In Cell Phone Text-Fixing Gambling Sting

Japanese authorities report finding text messages on junior-grade Sumo Wrestlers cell phones suggesting they were fixing fights for gambling purposes. 

The wrestlers are alleged to have traded wins and fixing fights as part of an investigation last year into gang-linked gambling.

Previously deleted messages had been restored by police, Jiji Press out of Japan reported.

Oddly enough, match-fixing is not illegal in Japan.  As such, law enforcement were not likely to pursue arrests in this matter.

This is the second highly publicized gambling scandal to plague the sport in less than a year.  Last year, several Sumo Wrestlers admitted to betting illegally on baseball games in association with organized crime factions.

- Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com