Theft Scandal: Shohei Ohtani’s Interpreter Sacked After Reports
Los Angeles Dodgers have terminated the contract of Shohei Ohtani’s long-time interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, following allegations of theft linked to illegal gambling. Reports from ESPN suggest that approximately $4.5 million was transferred from Ohtani’s bank account to a bookmaker, although Ohtani himself is not implicated in any wrongdoing.
The news surfaced as Ohtani made his regular season debut with the Dodgers. The team’s senior communications director confirmed to the BBC that Mizuhara had been fired as they continue to gather information on the matter.
According to ESPN, bank records show Ohtani’s name associated with two payments totaling $1 million sent to a bookmaking operation run by Mathew Bowyer. While Bowyer was investigated for involvement in an illegal sports betting scheme, he was not charged with any crime. Sports betting remains illegal in California, despite being legal in 38 other states in the US.
Major League Baseball has strict policies prohibiting players, umpires, officials, and employees from betting on baseball games or placing bets with illegal bookmakers. Mizuhara reportedly admitted to seeking help from Ohtani to cover his gambling debts but emphasized that Ohtani was unaware of the illegality of the situation and had no involvement in betting himself.
Initially, Ohtani’s spokesperson stated that Ohtani had transferred funds to cover Mizuhara’s debts, but this account has since been retracted. Mizuhara, too, has altered his story, asserting that Ohtani was unaware of the gambling debts and did not authorize the money transfer.
In response, Ohtani’s attorneys have accused Mizuhara of “massive theft,” indicating that Ohtani himself was a victim of the situation. The matter has been turned over to the authorities for investigation.
Ohtani, a baseball sensation, recently signed a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers. His relationship with Mizuhara, who has been praised for his ability to interpret Ohtani’s comments into colloquial English, dates back to his arrival in the US in 2018. Mizuhara’s termination marks a significant development in this high-profile case, which has garnered widespread attention both in the sports world and beyond.
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