Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, has been terminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers following allegations of his involvement in a significant theft of the Japanese star’s money. Ohtani’s lawyers claim that Mizuhara, 39, used millions of dollars to place bets with an illegal bookmaker, Mathew Bowyer, based in Orange County, California. It has been reported that at least $4.5 million was wired to Bowyer’s operation.
Mizuhara, who had been working as an interpreter for various players, gained prominence when he joined Ohtani with the Los Angeles Angels in 2017. Born in Tomakomai, Japan, Mizuhara moved to the United States with his family in 1991. He attended Diamond Bar High School and later graduated from the University of California Riverside in 2007.
After his graduation, Mizuhara worked as an interpreter for the Boston Red Sox, assisting left-handed reliever Hideki Okajima from 2007 to 2011. He then joined the Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball as an interpreter, translating Japanese to English for players such as Chris Martin, who later played for the Red Sox.
Mizuhara continued his role as Ohtani’s interpreter when the two-way star signed with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018. He accompanied Ohtani to various media events and served as his catcher during the 2021 Home Run Derby at Coors Field in Colorado.
While federal authorities are investigating Bowyer and potential charges, Mizuhara and Ohtani have not been contacted by investigators. ESPN reported that Mizuhara denied betting on baseball.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are aware of the situation and have terminated Mizuhara’s employment. The team has not provided further comment at this time.
1 Response
While the termination of Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, may seem like a justified response to the allegations of theft, it is important to consider alternative perspectives before passing judgment. Firstly, it is crucial to remember that allegations are not equivalent to guilt. Mizuhara should be given the opportunity to defend himself and present evidence to support his innocence.
Additionally, it is possible that Mizuhara’s termination could be a knee-jerk reaction by the Los Angeles Dodgers without thoroughly