Los Angeles Dodgers’ star Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, has been terminated by the team following reports of his involvement in alleged theft and gambling activities, as reported by multiple news outlets.
According to Ohtani’s attorneys, Mizuhara is accused of misappropriating funds belonging to the player to settle gambling debts with an illegal bookmaker currently under federal investigation. The LA Times reported that approximately $4.5 million was transferred from Ohtani’s account to a gambling operation in Southern California.
Law firm Berk Brettler LLP, representing Ohtani, stated to the LA Times, “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.”
Mizuhara, a longtime friend of Ohtani who accompanied the Dodgers to Seoul for their MLB season opening series, has not yet responded to requests for comment from various news outlets.
Initially, in an interview with ESPN, Mizuhara claimed that Ohtani had agreed to cover his gambling debts. However, he later retracted this statement, acknowledging that Ohtani was unaware of the gambling debts and had not authorized any transfers to the bookmaker’s associate. Mizuhara expressed accountability for his actions, stating, “Obviously, this is all my fault, everything I’ve done. I’m ready to face all the consequences.”
Mizuhara admitted to placing bets on international soccer, the NBA, the NFL, and college football but denied involvement in baseball betting.
The Dodgers confirmed Mizuhara’s termination to Reuters, stating, “The Dodgers are aware of media reports and are gathering information.”
Mizuhara had been with Ohtani since the player joined the Los Angeles Angels in 2018 and was subsequently hired by the Dodgers when Ohtani signed a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the team during the offseason.
