- Dodgers fire Ohtani’s interpreter over theft, gambling allegations
- Ohtani linked to $4.5 million payments to bookmaker, not charged
- Mizuhara admits gambling debts, retracts claims of Ohtani’s involvement
Ippei Mizuhara, the longtime interpreter for baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani, was terminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers on account of theft allegations associated with unlawful gambling.
ESPN reports that Ohtani transmitted a minimum of $4.5 million (£3.5 million) from his bank account to a bookmaker. Ohtani has not been charged with any crime.
Mr. Mizuhara discussed his gambling obligations with the sports network on Tuesday.
Ohtani made his regular-season debut with the Dodgers before the announcement.
The senior director of communications for the team stated that they are currently gathering information and “can confirm that Ippei Mizuhara, an interpreter, has been terminated.”
ESPN has stated that it examined bank records indicating Ohtani’s name appeared on two $500,000 payments sent to a bookmaking operation managed by Mathew Bowyer in September and October, respectively.
As per the Los Angeles Times, a prosecution team conducted an investigation into Mr. Bowyer regarding an illicit sports wagering scheme worth several million dollars. However, no criminal charges were filed against him.
Although lawful in 38 states, sports betting is not permitted in California.
A policy established by Major League Baseball prohibits “any player, umpire, Club or League official, or employee” from engaging in unlawful bookmaking or betting on baseball games.
According to reports, Mr. Mizuhara stated in an ESPN interview that he had requested assistance from the baseball sensation regarding his gambling debts.
“[Ohtani] was not pleased with it, and he promised to assist me in ensuring that I never did this again,” Mr. Mizuhara reportedly stated.
“I wish to clear up the fact that Shohei had no part in the wagering process.” I want it clear that I was unaware that this activity was unlawful. Unfortunately, I learned my lesson the hard way. I shall never again engage in sports wagering.
Although an Ohtani spokesman initially stated to ESPN that the former Los Angeles Angels star had transmitted funds to cover the gambling debts of his interpreter, he has since recanted this claim.
Reportedly, Mr. Mizuhara has since recanted his previous account, asserting that Ohtani was unaware of the gambling debts and did not transmit the funds.
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Since that time, Ohtani’s attorneys have allegedly levied “massive theft” charges against his interpreter, according to the Los Angeles Times.
“We discovered Shohei was the victim of a massive theft in the course of responding to recent media inquiries; we are now cooperating with the authorities,” reportedly reads a statement from the West Hollywood law firm Berk Brettler.
The Dodgers recently inked Ohtani to a record 10-year, $700 million contract, following his being named the second unanimous American League MVP.
Since he arrived in the United States in 2018, Mr. Mizuhara has remained a steadfast companion. Following weeks of speculation, he and his spouse were recently spotted in a photo that identified Mr. Ohtani’s wife, Mamiko Tanaka.
The interpretation of Ohtani’s remarks into colloquial English by Mr. Mizuhara has garnered significant acclaim throughout Japan.
