In a shocking turn of events, Shohei Ohtani, the two-time AL MVP and star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, finds himself embroiled in a scandal involving his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. Allegations have surfaced accusing Mizuhara of participating in a massive theft by using Ohtani’s money to place bets with an alleged illegal bookmaker.
The Washington Post’s Chelsea Janes reported that Ohtani did not make an appearance in the Dodgers clubhouse during media availability. A group of reporters was seen waiting to catch Ohtani coming out of the dugout, but he did not join his teammates for stretching and batting practice, as is his usual routine.
Despite the controversy surrounding him, Ohtani took the field in Thursday’s game against the San Diego Padres. The Dodgers were trailing 12-9 in the seventh inning when Ohtani, 29, singled in his first at-bat and hit three long fly outs thereafter.
The allegations against Mizuhara came to light when Ohtani’s name was mentioned in an investigation involving Matthew Boywer, a resident of Orange County, California. The Dodgers star’s representatives subsequently looked into Mizuhara’s actions after being contacted by the Los Angeles Times.
ESPN reported that the apparent theft by Mizuhara amounted to $4.5 million. However, a spokesperson for Ohtani denied Mizuhara’s claims and stated that the MLB star had transferred funds to help cover the interpreter’s gambling debt. The spokesperson further mentioned that a statement from attorneys would be issued.
The West Hollywood law firm Berk Brettler, representing Ohtani, confirmed that they had discovered Ohtani to be the victim of a massive theft and would be turning the matter over to the authorities. Mizuhara has since been terminated from his position with the Dodgers.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts declined to comment on Mizuhara’s statements, stating that it would ultimately be up to Shohei Ohtani to address the matter.
