Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani decisively announced this week that he has never participated in sports betting, and that all of his financial activities implicated in paying gambling debts were done without his knowledge.
This statement was part of a broader disclosure where the Japanese baseball star, Ohtani, accused his long-time interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, of financial misconduct and deceit. Mizuhara is under criminal investigation by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Accusations Against the Interpreter
During a media briefing held at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani conveyed his shock and disappointment over the actions of Mizuhara, who was recently dismissed by the Dodgers following investigative reports by the Los Angeles Times and ESPN. These reports suggested Mizuhara’s involvement with illegal gambling activities and accumulating substantial debts.
Betrayal of Trust
“I am very saddened and shocked someone whom I trusted has done this,” Ohtani expressed, highlighting the depth of his relationship with Mizuhara. Will Ireton, translating for Ohtani at the event, underscored the emotional toll the incident had taken on the Japanese star.
Financial Deception and Lies
Ohtani outlined the extent of Mizuhara’s deception, which led to the loss of millions of dollars, accusing his former interpreter of lying to him for years. This betrayal comes despite their close association since Ohtani’s arrival at the Angels in 2018, which continued until the recent revelations.
Ohtani’s Innocence and Integrity
Reaffirming his innocence, Ohtani emphasized his lack of involvement in any gambling activities. He detailed how he was kept in the dark about Mizuhara’s gambling problems until they were made public last week, shaking the trust foundation between the two.
Support Within the Dodgers
Addressing the media, Ohtani, dressed in Dodgers attire, spoke about the situation without taking questions. He stressed his focus on baseball and noted that he had explained his side of the story to his teammates. Dodgers veterans Kiké Hernández and Joe Kelly were present to show their support, symbolizing team solidarity.
Manager’s Endorsement
Dave Roberts, the Dodgers’ manager, praised Ohtani for his transparency and honesty. Roberts expressed his support and looked forward to moving past this incident, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the sport.
Ongoing Investigations
The case has attracted the attention of the IRS, with Mizuhara and the alleged bookmaker, Mathew Bowyer, under investigation. This situation sheds light on the MLB’s stringent rules against gambling, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations.
Mizuhara’s Shifting Narratives
Reports from ESPN indicate that Mizuhara’s account of the events changed over time. Initially, he suggested that Ohtani had covered his gambling debts, only to later claim that Ohtani was unaware of the debts or the payments made to bookmakers.
Ohtani’s Response to the Controversy
Ohtani spoke about his disbelief and the difficulty in processing the betrayal by Mizuhara. He emphasized his innocence and determination to let his legal team handle the matter moving forward.
Public and Team Support
The controversy has not only involved Ohtani and Mizuhara but also brought together the Dodgers’ team and management in support of Ohtani. This collective backing highlights the team’s commitment to integrity and unity in the face of challenges.
MLB’s Stance on Gambling
The incident has brought the MLB’s gambling policies into focus, underlining the prohibition of betting on baseball and other sports through either legal or illegal means. This reinforces the league’s stance on maintaining the sport’s integrity.
Future Steps
Ohtani has chosen to focus on the upcoming season, entrusting his legal representatives with the ongoing investigations. This approach allows him to concentrate on his performance on the field while ensuring that the legal process is respected and followed.
Ohtani’s Determination
Despite the unsettling events, Ohtani remains committed to his career and his team. His resolve to overcome this personal and professional hurdle is evident, as he looks forward to contributing to the Dodgers’ success in the upcoming season.
