The Los Angeles Dodgers have terminated the contract of Shohei Ohtani’s long-time interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, following allegations of theft involving millions of dollars. The allegations suggest that Mizuhara, who is also a close friend of Ohtani, reportedly misappropriated funds from the Japanese baseball star to place bets with a suspected illegal bookmaker.
“We can confirm that interpreter Ippei Mizuhara has been terminated,” a Dodgers spokesperson stated in an email to AFP. The announcement comes as the Dodgers are in Seoul for a season-opening series against the San Diego Padres.
Despite the off-field controversy, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts assured fans that Ohtani remains focused on the game. “Shohei’s ready,” Roberts said. “I know that he’s preparing. He’s in a hitter’s meeting right now, and he’s going to be ready for tonight’s game.” When asked about the possibility of Ohtani missing the game, Roberts responded that it was “not considered.”
Reports from the Los Angeles Times indicate that the law firm Berk Brettler LLP has investigated Mizuhara’s actions after Ohtani’s name surfaced in a federal investigation involving alleged illegal bookmaker Mathew Bowyer. In a statement, Berk Brettler said, “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.”
According to anonymous sources cited by the LA Times, the amount involved is in the millions, with Mizuhara allegedly using the funds to place bets with Bowyer’s operation. ESPN reported that at least $4.5 million in wire transfers were sent from Ohtani’s bank account to an associate of Bowyer. Multiple sources, including Mizuhara himself, told ESPN that Ohtani does not gamble and that the funds were covering Mizuhara’s losses.
Major League Baseball’s gambling policy prohibits any player, umpire, or club or league official from betting on baseball or making illegal bets on any other sport. While sports betting has been legalized in many U.S. states, online betting and retail sportsbooks remain illegal in California.
The sudden dismissal of Mizuhara, who has been a constant presence alongside Ohtani, raises questions about the impact on the player known for his dual-role prowess in pitching and hitting. As the Dodgers continue their series in Seoul, fans will be watching to see how Ohtani adapts to the changes.
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Dodgers fire Ohtani's long-time interpreter after theft allegation
cgtn.com
