Post by RYUUSEI Satellite Radio on Jul 23, 2018 11:45:44 GMT -5
MJPW General Manager Masaaki “Genki” Sano appeared outside the MAX-J headquarters in downtown Tokyo earlier today to present the results of the investigation into bribery allegations centered around sport-form judge Toshio Kaneda. As you may recall, Kaneda-san was the lone judge to score the final of the PYRAMID GRAPPLING LEAGUE in favor of Matt Pulver, his decision resulting in a split decision that ensured Pulver won the league.
Sano stood before a podium and thanked the many media members who came out to hear the results of the investigation. He confirmed that independent investigators had conducted an inquiry into bribery allegations, the same allegations since made public by Xpress Fighting Systems’ representative Arnold Cunningham, the agency that represents Shinjiro Nakama, a competitor in the PGL and a contract member of the MAX-J roster.
It was then that GM Sano confirmed the following: the day before the fight, while sitting in the lobby of the hotel which he stayed, Toshio Kaneda received electronic transfer, Toshio Kaneda received a bribery payment in the form of Y550,000 (approx. U.S. $5000). The crowd gasped, the shuttering of cameras filled the air, and the murmur quickly spread throughout the press conference.
But it was Sano’s next statement that surprised all:
The bribe received by Kaneda-san was meant to guarantee a decision against Matt Pulver.
The murmur outside the MAX-J headquarters turned to a roar as Sano continued. Apparently, the sender of this alleged bribe originated from a lone account and had not engaged in any prior contact with Kaneda before transmitting the money. It is believed he alone was targeted because he was deemed vulnerable for coercion by this lone wolf. The bulk of the investigation into this bribery inquiry concerned with discovering the identity of the individual who digitally wired the funds.
So, what do we know about him? We know from his activity on social media, his accounts since deleted, that he was a follower of the Demon Brigade and often tweeted in support of the current MAX Heavyweight Champion, Lord ZENKI. The individual who sent the bribe has already confessed and confirmed that he had no official contact with Demon Brigade or Xpress Fighting Systems, noting that he simply did not want to see a gaijin win the first “sport form” league. Upon receipt of the bribe, Kaneda-san notified the competition committee of this unsolicited bribe and turned over his laptop and electronic devices and the committee found no evidence of wrongdoing and allowed him to continue in his duties.
Sano thanked Kaneda-san for his integrity and adherence to proper protocol. He also thanked Xpress Fighting Systems, saying that he appreciated their demand for transparency and accountability, even though he might have preferred they initially contacted MJPW officials privately. While he did not accuse Demon Brigade of involvement in any way, Sano noted that this was an opportunity to consider the effect of one’s rhetoric. MJPW obviously takes no steps to limit individual expression and, as a global pro-wrestling promotion committed to the highest standards of competition and decency, appreciates having a robust diversity of personalities. However, freedom of expression does not come without consequence. In these globally connected times with information traveling across the globe within moments, clarifying one’s message becomes of paramount importance.
And on that note, Sano stated he was happy to consider the matter officially closed and looked forward to the upcoming J1 SUMMIT, wishing all of the fighters the best of both skill, will, and luck.
Sano stood before a podium and thanked the many media members who came out to hear the results of the investigation. He confirmed that independent investigators had conducted an inquiry into bribery allegations, the same allegations since made public by Xpress Fighting Systems’ representative Arnold Cunningham, the agency that represents Shinjiro Nakama, a competitor in the PGL and a contract member of the MAX-J roster.
It was then that GM Sano confirmed the following: the day before the fight, while sitting in the lobby of the hotel which he stayed, Toshio Kaneda received electronic transfer, Toshio Kaneda received a bribery payment in the form of Y550,000 (approx. U.S. $5000). The crowd gasped, the shuttering of cameras filled the air, and the murmur quickly spread throughout the press conference.
But it was Sano’s next statement that surprised all:
The bribe received by Kaneda-san was meant to guarantee a decision against Matt Pulver.
The murmur outside the MAX-J headquarters turned to a roar as Sano continued. Apparently, the sender of this alleged bribe originated from a lone account and had not engaged in any prior contact with Kaneda before transmitting the money. It is believed he alone was targeted because he was deemed vulnerable for coercion by this lone wolf. The bulk of the investigation into this bribery inquiry concerned with discovering the identity of the individual who digitally wired the funds.
So, what do we know about him? We know from his activity on social media, his accounts since deleted, that he was a follower of the Demon Brigade and often tweeted in support of the current MAX Heavyweight Champion, Lord ZENKI. The individual who sent the bribe has already confessed and confirmed that he had no official contact with Demon Brigade or Xpress Fighting Systems, noting that he simply did not want to see a gaijin win the first “sport form” league. Upon receipt of the bribe, Kaneda-san notified the competition committee of this unsolicited bribe and turned over his laptop and electronic devices and the committee found no evidence of wrongdoing and allowed him to continue in his duties.
One reporter asked GM Sano why he had not simply replaced the judge to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, a good question.
He responded that it is not uncommon for judges to receive unsolicited bribes. The fact that Kaneda-san received the bribe with well over a day before the fight allowed investigators to decisively clear him to judge the fight, another indicator that the bribe did indeed come from an amateur. Moreover, Sano noted that if he removed a judge without cause, then MAX-J would set a dangerous precedent and it would only encourage lone wolves to disrupt the refereeing and judging process. The decisions of all bouts under the MAX-J banner are subject to post-match review to determine if an error has been made. The post-match review concluded that all of the judges had scored the fight fairly and within reason.
Sano thanked Kaneda-san for his integrity and adherence to proper protocol. He also thanked Xpress Fighting Systems, saying that he appreciated their demand for transparency and accountability, even though he might have preferred they initially contacted MJPW officials privately. While he did not accuse Demon Brigade of involvement in any way, Sano noted that this was an opportunity to consider the effect of one’s rhetoric. MJPW obviously takes no steps to limit individual expression and, as a global pro-wrestling promotion committed to the highest standards of competition and decency, appreciates having a robust diversity of personalities. However, freedom of expression does not come without consequence. In these globally connected times with information traveling across the globe within moments, clarifying one’s message becomes of paramount importance.
And on that note, Sano stated he was happy to consider the matter officially closed and looked forward to the upcoming J1 SUMMIT, wishing all of the fighters the best of both skill, will, and luck.