Shohei Ohtani has denied accusations that he engaged in illegal gambling activities, insisting that his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, stole money from his bank accounts to gamble without his knowledge. However, Mizuhara initially claimed that Ohtani had helped him pay off gambling debts. This conflicting information has raised suspicion among some, including former MLB catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who questioned how Ohtani could not have noticed large withdrawals from his accounts. Pierzynski suggested that the circumstances surrounding the situation do not add up, especially given the close relationship between Ohtani and Mizuhara.
Pierzynski noted that it is not uncommon for professional athletes to have money taken from them by individuals who have access to their finances, such as financial advisors or agents. However, the fact that Ohtani’s interpreter and close friend was allegedly involved in stealing $4.5 million from him raises red flags. Ohtani claims that he only learned of Mizuhara’s gambling debts during a one-on-one meeting in Seoul and promptly contacted his representatives and lawyers to address the issue. He maintains that Mizuhara had been lying to him and others about the situation, and that he has turned the matter over to the proper authorities.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Major League Baseball are currently investigating the situation. Mizuhara had been Ohtani’s personal translator since his debut in MLB in 2018, and the two had a close relationship both on and off the field. Ohtani stated that he was shocked to learn of Mizuhara’s actions and emphasized that he had no knowledge or involvement in any illegal gambling activities. This incident has caused a stir in the baseball community, with many questioning the integrity of those involved and expressing concern over the potential fallout from the scandal.
Despite the controversy surrounding the allegations, Ohtani continues to focus on his career and performance on the field. The two-time All-Star acknowledges that instances of financial misconduct can happen to professional athletes, but maintains that he had no reason to suspect his close friend and interpreter of such actions. Ohtani’s reputation and integrity have been called into question by this incident, and he remains vigilant in ensuring that the matter is resolved through proper legal channels. As the investigation unfolds, the baseball community watches closely to see how the situation will be resolved and what impact it may have on Ohtani’s career moving forward.
