Tripped up by a scandal over marijuana use by three Russian wrestlers, Japan Sumo Association Chairman Kitanoumi announced Sept. 8 that he will resign.

Kitanoumi KYODO PHOTO

The final shove apparently came Sept. 6, when the latest pair of Russian wrestlers — siblings Roho and Hakurozan — tested positive for marijuana. Kitanoumi, 55, is Hakurozan's stable master.

The JSA said it decided in an executive meeting to expel the two Russian wrestlers.

The association named sumo elder Musashigawa, 60, as Kitanoumi's successor.

"I am full of remorse because I needed to take care of (wrestlers) all the time and I would like to apologize to everyone," Kitanoumi said after his resignation offer was accepted. "They denied (smoking marijuana) and I believed it."

Kitanoumi, one of sumo's all-time yokozuna greats with 24 tournament victories, assumed the association's top post in February 2002 and was re-elected to his fourth term after the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in January.

He is the first chairman to step down before completing his term, according to the JSA.

The scandal broke in August with the arrest and subsequent lifetime ban of wrestler Wakanoho, whom police claim had a small amount of marijuana in his wallet. Wakanoho has admitted to marijuana possession.

Sumo, which has its roots in ancient religious ritual, is considered Japan's national sport, and its athletes and coaches are held to high moral standards in and out of the ring.