Ippei Mizuhara, the longtime interpreter for Japanese baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani, was fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers amid allegations of “massive theft” tied to gambling. Ohtani’s lawyers accused Mizuhara of stealing millions of dollars and placing bets with a bookmaker under federal investigation. The allegations surfaced as Ohtani made his much-anticipated debut with the Dodgers, sparking a swirl of questions and concern.
The scandal emerged during Ohtani’s first game with the Dodgers at their MLB season opener in Seoul, South Korea, where the team secured a 5-2 victory over the San Diego Padres. The Dodgers confirmed Mizuhara’s firing and stated they were “aware of media reports and are gathering information,” without providing further comment.
Initially, Ohtani’s representatives shifted their statements regarding Mizuhara’s actions. Initially, they claimed that Ohtani was aware of Mizuhara’s gambling debt and had transferred money to help pay it off. However, after an interview with Mizuhara, Ohtani’s spokesperson disavowed Mizuhara’s account and released a statement saying Ohtani had been the victim of theft.
At least $4.5 million was reportedly withdrawn via wire transfer from Ohtani’s bank accounts, though it is unclear who initiated the transfers. Mizuhara’s sports betting dates back as early as 2021, when Ohtani was playing for the Los Angeles Angels.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/pmn/7T73F4P5L5YMJ3Z2BPBSL3UDRE.jpg "Dodgers Dismiss Interpreter of Shohei Ohtani Amid Theft Accusations")
Mizuhara and Ohtani had a lasting professional relationship, having worked together since 2013 when Mizuhara served as a translator for the Nippon-Ham Fighters, Ohtani’s team in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball League.
When Ohtani joined the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, Mizuhara joined him as his translator, and eventually followed the star to the Dodgers.
Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter and close friend was fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers following allegations of illegal gambling and theft from the Japanese baseball star, and the IRS said Thursday he is under investigation. https://t.co/zbMHmGTykH
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 21, 2024
The allegations against Mizuhara have sparked outrage and concern among the community, with many questioning the integrity of the sports world and the need for stricter regulations on gambling and financial transactions. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of misplacing trust and the importance of prioritizing ethical conduct in professional sports.
