Baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani revealed on Monday that he had been unaware, until a couple of days ago, of the alleged involvement of his now-dismissed interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, in gambling and theft.
In his initial public statement addressing the tumult that has overshadowed the commencement of the 2024 MLB season, Ohtani, speaking through an interpreter, expressed his dismay and astonishment upon learning of the accusations.
The Dodgers terminated Mizuhara’s employment last week following revelations made by Ohtani’s representatives, who stated, “We have uncovered significant theft from Shohei and are reporting the matter to the authorities.”
During a press briefing broadcast live on the MLB Network from the team’s interview room, Ohtani clarified that he has never engaged in sports betting.
“Ippei has been misappropriating funds from my account and spreading falsehoods,” Ohtani disclosed. He further explained that Mizuhara was burdened with debt but misrepresented to Ohtani’s representatives and the public that the baseball star was assisting a friend in settling debts.
“To summarize how I’m feeling right now, I’m just beyond shocked. It’s really hard to verbalize how I’m feeling at this point,” Ohtani remarked.
He mentioned that his legal advisors recommended involving the authorities due to the nature of the allegations involving theft and fraud. Ohtani affirmed his full cooperation with ongoing investigations.
Ohtani stated that he would entrust his legal team to handle the matter while he shifts his focus back to the game.
“I am eager to concentrate on the season ahead, and I appreciate the opportunity to address this issue,” he concluded.
Following the statement, which lasted slightly over 10 minutes, Ohtani declined to entertain questions from the media.
Later in the day, the Dodgers hosted an exhibition game against the Los Angeles Angels.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed support for Ohtani’s decision to speak out, stating, “I believe it’s a positive step. It’s the right thing to do.” Roberts added, “I’m pleased that he’s chosen to share his perspective and shed light on the situation. It should provide us with some clarity.”
Ohtani, a two-time American League MVP, made headlines with his staggering $700 million contract with the Dodgers during the offseason.
MLB Investigates Alleged Gambling Scandal Involving Shohei Ohtani’s Interpreter
Mizuhara revealed to ESPN investigative reporter Tisha Thompson that he had accrued substantial gambling debts, estimated at least $4.5 million according to Thompson, with an illicit gambling operation purportedly overseen by Mathew Bowyer, residing in Orange County, California.
Neither Mizuhara nor Bowyer has faced criminal charges.
The criminal investigation division of the IRS’s Los Angeles field office “is actively investigating Mathew Bowyer and Ippei Mizuhara,” according to spokesperson Scott Villiard’s statement to NPR.
In California, sports gambling is illegal, and federal charges against individuals accused of operating an illegal gambling operation can encompass money laundering, fraud, and tax evasion.
The MLB is also conducting its investigation. The league informed NPR via message that it has been gathering information since the allegations concerning Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara surfaced through the media. MLB stated its commitment to probing the matter further.
Regarding gambling regulation, MLB enforces stringent penalties on players or personnel found betting on baseball. Mizuhara asserted that he did not engage in such activity, instead placing bets on international soccer and other sports.
Under Rule 21 of MLB’s regulations on misconduct, individuals making wagers with illegal bookmakers are subject to disciplinary action by the commissioner, with the severity of the penalty determined based on the specific circumstances of the conduct.
Mizuhara’s Shifting Account Raises Questions in Ohtani Gambling Scandal
Amidst the unfolding saga, a pivotal question remains unresolved: What prompted Mizuhara’s alleged alteration in the narrative surrounding the handling of his gambling debts?
Tisha Thompson, in her conversation with NPR, recounted her extensive 90-minute interview with Mizuhara early last week. Initially, Mizuhara purported that Shohei Ohtani had agreed to settle his interpreter’s gambling debts, going as far as to assert that the baseball superstar personally executed wire transfers for this purpose.
However, this assertion swiftly evolved as Mizuhara recanted his earlier statements. In response, Ohtani’s legal representatives at the Berk Brettler law firm issued a statement indicating their belief that their client had fallen victim to “a massive theft.”
“When I confronted him about the inconsistency in his accounts during the interview, he acknowledged that he had indeed misled me,” Thompson stated. “Subsequently, he asserted that Ohtani was unaware of his gambling debts and had not initiated any wire transfers.”
The abrupt reversal in Mizuhara’s narrative raises further questions about the intricacies of this complex situation, casting a shadow of doubt over the true nature of events surrounding Ohtani’s alleged involvement.
Shady Background: Doubts Surround Shohei Ohtani’s Interpreter
A spotlight has been cast on the background of Ippei Mizuhara, raising doubts regarding the accuracy of certain aspects of his history. According to an MLB account from 2021, Mizuhara was purportedly born in Japan and raised near Anaheim, where he attended Diamond Bar High School and later UC Riverside. However, NBC Los Angeles reports discrepancies, stating that UC Riverside officials could not verify Mizuhara’s attendance.
Now 39 years old, Mizuhara crossed paths with Shohei Ohtani, now 29, in Japan while Ohtani was a standout player for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in the Nippon Professional Baseball league from 2013 to 2017. Mizuhara served as a translator for the team during this period.
When Ohtani made the leap to Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States, he extended an invitation to Mizuhara to join him as his interpreter. Mizuhara has since become a familiar presence alongside the versatile slugger and pitcher, even stepping in as Ohtani’s catcher during the home run derby at the 2021 All-Star Game.
During Ohtani’s official introduction as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers three months ago, Mizuhara shared the stage with him. Play-by-play broadcaster Joe Davis referred to him as “Shohei’s interpreter — mostly Shohei’s best buddy, close friend — Ippei Mizuhara,” highlighting their close bond and longstanding partnership.
