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Nittai University Coaching Staff Resigns After Track Athlete Expelled for Pot

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/news/20090323-OYT1T00988.htm

translated by Brett Larner

On Mar. 23 Nihon Taiku [Nittai] University announced that Track and Field director Takashi Ishii, head coach Masahiko Mizuno and assistant coach Fumiaki Kobayashi had resigned their positions to take personal responsibility following the expulsion of a student on the men's team over suspicion of violating Japan's anti-marijuana laws.

According to a press release from the university, Ishii, Mizuno and Kobayashi resigned from their positions of leadership on Mar. 5. The press released stated that further details could not be discussed "due to the case still being under investigation," but did mention that the team's training camp facilities had been searched by police on Mar. 2. The student has not been arrested because there are doubts about his alleged cultivation and use of marijuana. On Mar. 3 Rikuren released an 'Offical Policy Pertaining to Drugs' which stated, "The use of illegal drugs is strictly forbidden."
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