Oh boy, the baseball world’s buzzing again. This time, it’s about Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ shining star. Seems there’s a bit of a scandal brewing. MLB’s on it, launching a full-blown investigation into what they’re calling a “massive theft.” And guess who’s at the center? Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. But here’s the kicker: Ohtani’s not warming the bench; he’s still in the game.
What’s the Scoop?
MLB’s digging deep, trying to piece together the story. They’ve been on this since the rumors hit the news. “We’re on it,” they said, rolling out their Department of Investigations. The drama unfolded in South Korea, of all places. Ohtani, Mizuhara, and the Dodgers were there for a series when the news dropped like a bomb on March 20. Mizuhara? Fired on the spot.
ESPN’s got the dirt. Apparently, a cool $4.5 million of Ohtani’s dough ended up in the hands of a shady bookmaker in California. How? A string of wire transfers, they say. Ohtani’s legal team’s crying foul, claiming Mizuhara pocketed the cash. And where’d it go? To cover gambling debts, wired to some guy named Mathew Bowyer, who’s got the feds breathing down his neck. Ohtani’s name? Dragged into the mess by the Los Angeles Times.
The Plot Thickens
Initially, Mizuhara’s singing a tune about Ohtani wanting to pay off gambling debts. But wait, plot twist! Suddenly, Ohtani’s clueless about the payments. “Massive theft,” Ohtani’s lawyers declare, as they ring up the authorities. The Berk Brettler law firm’s spokesperson was all over CBS Sports, spilling the beans on March 20. As for Bowyer’s lawyer and the U.S. Attorney’s Office? Mum’s the word.
Rules Are Rules
Here’s the deal with MLB players and gambling. Betting on sports? Cool, as long as it’s not baseball or softball. But cozying up to illegal bookmakers? Big no-no. Rule 21(f) is crystal clear. Break it, and you’re in hot water, the kind that boils. Despite sports betting being a go in 38 states and Washington D.C., California’s still holding out. Mizuhara, meanwhile, insists his bets on soccer, the NBA, NFL, and college basketball were all above board. Baseball? Never touched it, he says. And those bets with Bowyer? Thought they were legit.
Backstory Time
Let’s rewind to 2013. That’s when Ohtani and Mizuhara first crossed paths, way before Ohtani’s leap from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball to the big leagues. Mizuhara was the guy, Ohtani’s interpreter, through thick and thin. Fast forward, and Mizuhara’s tagging along to the Dodgers, just as Ohtani inks a jaw-dropping deal. We’re talking $700 million over 10 years. But here’s a twist: Ohtani’s taking home just $2 million a year till 2033, then bam, $68 million each year till 2043. Plus, endorsements are padding his wallet, to the tune of $50 million annually.
So, there you have it. Baseball, money, and a scandal that’s got everyone talking. Stay tuned, folks. This one’s far from over.
