Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara Gene Wang/Getty Pictures; Ronald Martinez/Getty Pictures
Los Angeles Dodgers participant Shohei Ohtani has discovered himself in the course of a baseball scandal.
Simply weeks earlier than Main League Baseball’s 2024 season formally kicks off, Ohtani’s interpreter Ippei Mizuhara was fired by the Dodgers for allegedly taking vital sums of cash from the participant in an effort to settle playing money owed.
Regulation enforcement authorities and MLB’s division of investigations have launched separate probes into the allegations.
As for Ohtani, 29, the MLB All-Star has maintained he had no involvement with playing and was the sufferer of a “large theft.”
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“I’ve by no means wager on baseball or every other sport or ever requested anybody to do it on my behalf,” Ohtani stated throughout a press convention on Monday, March 25. “I by no means went by way of a bookmaker to wager on sports activities.’’
Because the Dodgers put together for his or her stadium opener on Thursday, March 28, right here’s a have a look at every thing we all know in regards to the scandal centered round Ohtani and Mizuhara, 29.
Who Is Ippei Mizuhara?
Wherever Ohtani went, Mizuhara probably adopted as he served because the MLB participant’s longtime pal and coaching companion. He had been by Ohtani’s facet ever since he began his MLB profession with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018. When Ohtani signed his record-breaking $700 million cope with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2023, Mizuhara was employed by the staff as properly.
Throughout his time with the Dodgers, Mizuhara served as Ohtani’s interpreter in press conferences, within the clubhouse, within the dugout and at choose public appearances.
Why Is Mizuhara Being Investigated?
In keeping with ESPN, Mizuhara was fired from the Dodgers after questions surrounding not less than $4.5 million in wire transfers despatched from Ohtani’s checking account to a bookmaking operation set off a collection of occasions.
Mizuhara allegedly incurred the playing money owed to a Southern California bookmaking operation that’s beneath federal investigation, a number of sources instructed ESPN. Reporters began asking questions in regards to the wire transfers, main Ohtani’s staff to analyze.
“In the midst of responding to current media inquiries, we found that Shohei has been the sufferer of an enormous theft,” a press release from Ohtani’s attorneys learn, “and we’re turning the matter over to the authorities.”
Whereas sports activities betting is authorized in practically 40 states, it stays unlawful in California the place Ohtani and Mizuhara work.
Does Mizuhara Blame Ohtani?
In an interview organized by Ohtani’s spokesperson on March 19, Mizuhara instructed ESPN that he requested Ohtani to repay his playing debt in 2023. “Clearly, [Ohtani] wasn’t blissful about it and stated he would assist me out to ensure I by no means do that once more,” Mizuhara stated. “He determined to pay it off for me.”
“I need everybody to know Shohei had zero involvement in betting,” he continued. “I need individuals to know I didn’t know this was unlawful. I realized my lesson the laborious approach. I’ll by no means do sports activities betting ever once more.”
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However sooner or later later, Mizuhara instructed ESPN that Ohtani really had zero data of his playing money owed and that Ohtani had not transferred cash to the bookmaker’s affiliate. “Clearly, that is all my fault, every thing I’ve accomplished,” he stated. “I’m able to face all the results.”
What Has Ohtani Stated In regards to the Case?
In a press convention with reporters on March 25, Ohtani publicly spoke out in regards to the investigation. With assist from translator and Dodgers worker Will Ireton, the pitcher expressed his disappointment and anger that somebody near him may pull off a critical violation. “I’m very saddened and shocked that somebody who I’ve trusted has accomplished this,” he instructed reporters by way of translation. “Ippei has been stealing cash from my account and has instructed lies.”
How Is MLB Reacting to the Scandal?
Main League Baseball introduced plans to open a proper investigation into playing allegations in opposition to Mizuhara.
“Main League Baseball has been gathering info since we realized in regards to the allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhari from the information media,” the league stated in a press release on March 22. “Earlier right now, our Division of Investigations (DOI) started their formal course of investigating the matter.”
Ohtani is anticipated to stay on the Dodgers’ energetic roster in the course of the probe.
