Badminton star Momota, teammates admit gambling at illegal casino

Bad luck, mate.

Bad luck indeed. They didn't do much wrong, but now that they're names are out in the media, the Japanese way will be to ensure everyone (including those not involved) are punished.

Too bad another one bites the dust. He had a brilliant career ahead.

A heinous crime. Shame on them. Off with their heads!

Klausdorth: "So he admitted to illegal gambling but it's still allegations that have to be proven? I don't get it."

It's Japan. The badminton Association will likely request to "independently investigate" so they can quickly find no proof of wrongdoing, then contest any other findings and attempt to go regardless. No doubt the players will "retract their statements" later, or at least be pressured to do so.

What is the connection between illegal gambling a little and playing sports ??? Except if we talk about a crime, what would stop him from being able to play sports ? Guilty until proven innocent. Glad I am out of there since I am a winner too. And long-term one.

badminton star? badminton trailblazer? Seem like oxymorons to me.

@JP, court dates that coincide with travel to Olympics? Need to testify in trials for other involved parties? Necessary to follow whatever warnings and repercussions are in their taxpayer supported contracts?

Fine of 500,000 yen is possible for first time gamblers. Repeat offenders can get up to 3 years jail. Casino operaters up to five years. This particular one had hundreds of customers who helped the mafia earn close to a million dollars in three months (Nikkei news site).

Prohibition times. Japan neeeds to learn History. You dont need to be physically present for such small wrong act. If he was client, he must have been one TO BE scammed. Instead of promoting a champion, Japan is creating a loser. "He who is without sin can cast the first stone" Learn & understand that common sense too(forget who said it that is not the point)

gambling at illegal casinos is almost always related to Yakuza. who knows what other sorts of illegal activities he may have been involved with. Fire him to make an example.

Good. I am glad he is banned.

kaseyl : This is create bad impact upon her. Her carrier fall down to abnormal. This is very tough situation for her.