The Los Angeles Dodgers have fired Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter following allegations of significant theft made by the Japanese baseball star.
Dodgers have parted ways with Ippei Mizuhara, who has been by Shohei Ohtani’s side since he moved to the U.S., due to allegations related to sports gambling.
The Los Angeles Dodgers terminated the contract of Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter and close friend following allegations of significant financial misconduct related to the Japanese baseball star and suspected ties to sports gambling.
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on Wednesday that Ippei Mizuhara, who has been by Shohei Ohtani’s side since he came to the U.S., is no longer part of the team.
“The Dodgers have acknowledged the media reports and are currently investigating the situation. They have confirmed the termination of interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. However, the team has declined to provide further comments at this time,” as reported by The Los Angeles Times and ESPN.
Law firm Berk Brettler LLP, attorneys for Ohtani, said in a statement: “In the course of responding to recent media inquiries, we discovered that Shohei has been the victim of a massive theft and we are turning the matter over to the authorities.”
ESPN reported that Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Mizuhara, was fired following suspicions of ties to illegal gambling, as per multiple unnamed sources. The allegations involve large wire transfers from Ohtani’s account to a bookmaking operation in Southern California, currently under federal investigation. However, NBC News has not independently verified these claims.
ESPN reported that initially, a spokesperson for Ohtani stated that Ohtani transferred the money knowingly to cover Mizuhara’s gambling debt. Mizuhara is a long-time friend and associate of Ohtani.
The spokesperson facilitated a 90-minute interview between Mizuhara and ESPN on Tuesday night, allowing Mizuhara to share his perspective on the matter.
“Mizuhara mentioned that Ohtani wasn’t pleased and offered assistance to prevent a repeat. Ohtani then decided to cover the debt for him.”
The spokesperson organized a 90-minute interview between Mizuhara and ESPN on Tuesday night. Mizuhara clarified that his debts were from betting on the NBA, NFL, college football, and international soccer, but he emphasized that he never bet on baseball, as it goes against MLB rules.
“Mizuhara mentioned that Ohtani wasn’t pleased and promised to assist him to avoid a repeat. Ohtani then decided to settle the debt.
Mizuhara also clarified to ESPN, ‘I want everyone to know Shohei had no part in this. I wasn’t aware it was against the rules. I’ve learned from my mistake and won’t gamble on sports again.'”
As ESPN was preparing to publish its story on Wednesday, Ohtani’s spokesperson denied Mizuhara’s account and mentioned that the player’s lawyers would issue a statement.
Mizuhara later altered his story on Wednesday, asserting that Ohtani had no awareness of his gambling debts and hadn’t transferred money to the bookmaker’s associate. Mizuhara added that he was advised not to comment on whether Ohtani accused him of theft but didn’t disclose who instructed him not to discuss it.
NBC News has contacted the Dodgers, representatives for Ohtani, and Mizuhara overnight for further comments.
Mizuhara has been working with Ohtani since his major league debut in 2018.
Following his stint as an interpreter for the Boston Red Sox, Mizuhara met Ohtani in Japan in 2013. Upon Ohtani’s signing with the Los Angeles Angels in 2017, Mizuhara was hired as his personal interpreter. ESPN reported that Mizuhara disclosed earning between $300,000 and $500,000 annually in this role.
It’s been an eventful week for Ohtani, 29, who has become the face of MLB’s efforts to build its brand in Asia and one of the sport’s leading stars.
During the Dodgers’ season opener in Seoul, South Korea, Ohtani, 29, received a warm welcome from fans, despite the historical rivalry between South Korea and Japan.
Authorities investigated a bomb threat against the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, where the Dodgers were playing the San Diego Padres.
Ohtani gained widespread attention after signing a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers in December. He surprised many by announcing his marriage and later revealed his wife’s identity on social media due to immense interest from fans and the media.
On Wednesday, Ohtani’s two hits aided the Dodgers in securing a 5-2 victory against the Padres in Seoul, marking his debut with the team.
During a news conference on Thursday, Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts refrained from commenting on the case but assured that Ohtani would play as usual, stating, “Shohei’s ready for tonight’s game.”
In the U.S., sports gambling is widespread, with 38 states and the District of Columbia permitting it in some form. Major sports leagues, including the NFL and MLB, view it as a lucrative opportunity. However, in California, it remains illegal, and players can face severe penalties for violating league gambling policies.
In MLB locker rooms, the rules state that players and team staff cannot bet on baseball, even if it’s legal. They’re also not allowed to gamble on other sports with illegal or offshore bookmakers.
Anyone caught betting on baseball can face a one-year ban from the sport. The punishment for illegal betting on other sports is determined by the commissioner.
The Associated Press, Reuters and Madeline Morrison contributed.