Los Angeles Dodgers’ standout player Shohei Ohtani broke his silence on Monday, addressing allegations of theft involving his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. This marked Ohtani’s first public comments since the scandal erupted last week, leading to Mizuhara’s dismissal from the team.
Speaking at a press conference held at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani expressed deep disappointment and shock over the betrayal by someone he trusted. He clarified that he had never engaged in sports betting or knowingly made payments to a bookmaker, vehemently denying any involvement in illegal activities.
Ohtani revealed that he was unaware of Mizuhara’s gambling debts and emphasized that he had never consented to cover any debts or make payments to a bookmaker. According to Ohtani, Mizuhara confessed to using the player’s account for such transactions during a meeting in Seoul, prompting Ohtani to alert his representatives immediately.
The MLB star stated that he is fully cooperating with all investigations into the matter. Reports suggest that millions of dollars were transferred from Ohtani’s account to a Southern California gambling operation, heightening concerns about the extent of his involvement.
During the press conference, Ohtani conveyed his profound shock and difficulty in articulating his emotions regarding the situation. He spoke through a new interpreter and refrained from taking questions before leaving the venue.
Despite the ongoing scandal, Ohtani’s focus remains on his team’s upcoming pre-season game and the home opener for the 2024 campaign scheduled for Thursday. Ohtani joined the Dodgers last December in a high-profile signing, marking the end of a highly anticipated pursuit for the coveted MLB free agent.
Efforts to reach Mizuhara for comment have been unsuccessful, and the investigation into the alleged theft continues to unfold as Ohtani navigates through this challenging situation.
