Shohei Ohtani’s world just got a whole lot more complicated. His lawyers are throwing around some pretty hefty accusations. They’re saying that Ohtani’s now-ex interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, has been dipping his hands into the cookie jar. And not just any cookie jar. We’re talking about a massive theft situation here. According to ESPN, over $4.5 million vanished from Ohtani’s bank account, flying straight into the pockets of a California bookie currently under the feds’ microscope.
Mizuhara, who’s been more than just an interpreter to Ohtani for over six years, got the boot from the Dodgers last Wednesday. His initial chat with ESPN was a doozy. He claimed Ohtani was just helping him out with some gambling debts. But then, plot twist! He flips his story, saying Ohtani was in the dark about the whole thing. Meanwhile, they’re both in Seoul, kicking off the 2024 MLB season. Drama much?
Mizuhara swears he never bet on baseball. Diane Bass, the bookie’s lawyer, backs him up. But here’s the kicker: sports betting is a no-go in California. And dabbling in it breaks MLB rules. As if things couldn’t get worse for Mizuhara, the spotlight’s now on him with law enforcement getting involved, thanks to a nudge from Ohtani’s camp.
The Dodgers? They’re on damage control, confirming Mizuhara’s termination but keeping mum on the details.
is all they’ve said.
Lawyers’ accusations
So, who’s this bookmaker? The L.A. Times points to Mathew Bowyer of Orange County. His place got a visit from federal agents last year. And it seems this gambling operation’s net might just catch more than expected, with Yasiel Puig’s name also popping up. Ohtani’s lawyers are on it, though, digging through the mess to find out what happened.
“In the midst of media chaos, we found out Shohei’s been robbed big time,” says Berk Brettler law firm. But Bowyer’s lawyer is playing it cool, claiming no direct contact with Ohtani.
Interpreter’s response
Mizuhara’s side of the story? He admits to asking Ohtani to cover his gambling losses, thinking his bets through Bowyer were above board. “Ohtani was not thrilled, but he had my back,” Mizuhara said. Yet, he insists Ohtani was clueless about where the money was going. He also made it clear he never bet on baseball, sticking to other sports instead. The Dodgers found out about his gambling problem right after Wednesday’s game.
California’s stance on sports gambling hasn’t budged, with voters shooting down propositions to legalize it. Now, with Mizuhara out, Will Ireton steps in as Ohtani’s temporary interpreter. The story’s twists and turns don’t stop, with ESPN’s Tisha Thompson shedding light on the changing narratives.
Could Ohtani face punishment?
MLB’s got a strict no-gambling policy. Mizuhara’s betting on other sports might not break this rule, but the situation’s still murky. “Ohtani’s not in trouble…yet,” says an MLB official. But legal experts warn of potential state and federal crimes. It’s a tangled web of laws designed to combat organized crime, and they’re not taking it lightly.
What are Ohtani and the Dodgers saying?
Not a lot, to be honest. Ohtani’s been focusing on the game, not the drama. He played against the Padres but kept quiet about the scandal. The Dodgers’ top brass is also laying low, not adding fuel to the fire.
Who is Ippei Mizuhara?
Mizuhara’s been Ohtani’s right-hand man since he joined the Angels in 2017. But now, his past actions have put both of them in a spotlight they never wanted. As this saga unfolds, only time will tell how it will affect their careers and lives.
