On Wednesday, it was revealed that Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, had been fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The reason?
Well, it’s complicated.
Mizuhara has been connected with illegal gambling: the activity is not allowed in the state of California.
What does Ohtani have to do with this?
There were transfers made from the player’s account to a bookmaking operation run by Mathew Bowyer.
Reports indicate that Bowyer was under investigation regarding an illegal sports betting scheme.
There were no charges, though.
In total, over $4.5 million were transferred from Ohtani’s account to bookmakers.
Per BBC, Mizuhara clarified that Ohtani has had no involvement in sports betting and that he asked for the money from him.
However, BBC has reported a key twist in the story:
“Mr. Mizuhara himself has reportedly changed his story, now saying that Ohtani did not know about the gambling debts and did not transfer the money,” they wrote.
As a result, Ohtani’s attorneys are now accusing the interpreter of “massive theft.”
It’s a true saga, and fans have made their opinion felt on Twitter.
Some speculate it’s actually Ohtani making the bets, even though there aren’t any signs of that being the case at the moment:
Wait till find out it was Ohtani placing the bets. Pete Rose 2.0
— ThorOdinson ⚡️⚡️ ⚡️ (@someBKLYNguy) March 20, 2024
Ohtani during football season watching his 10 team parlays he had his interpreter bet pic.twitter.com/bP7tPuZqgL
— IB THE GAMBLER 🔌 (@incarceratedbob) March 20, 2024
Others are more careful with pointing fingers, but point out the fact something just doesn’t add up:
How on earth would the interpreter have access to Ohtani’s private bank account?
This doesn’t pass the smell test and looks like a cover up with the interpreter as the fall guy
— Patrick Lowry (@Patrick_Lowry_) March 20, 2024
What is an interpreter doing with access to Shohei Ohtani’s finances? As a federal criminal defense attorney, something doesn’t add up. #ShoheiOhtani @ConDetrimental pic.twitter.com/AUynG5n2Fw
— Matt Tympanick (@TympanickLaw) March 20, 2024
The Dodgers and Ohtani haven’t been saying much about the topic at this stage.
The whole betting situation and the alleged theft have been a stain on an otherwise exciting time, with the Dodgers and the San Diego Padres playing a thrilling Seoul Series on Wednesday and Thursday.
NEXT:
Shohei Ohtani Shines In First Game As A Dodger