David Fletcher, who currently plays in the Atlanta Braves organization, reportedly bet on sports through the same bookmaker as Shohei Ohtani’s former trainer, Ippei Mizuhara. The two players were teammates on the Los Angeles Angels from 2018 to 2023 before going their separate ways following the 2023 season. Ohtani signed a major contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, while Fletcher joined the Braves and was later sent down to their Triple-A affiliate. Fletcher made bets through bookie Matthew Bowyer, but the report stated that he never placed wagers on baseball games. However, a friend of Fletcher’s, Colby Schultz, allegedly bet on baseball games, including Angels games in which Fletcher was playing.
Neither MLB nor the Braves commented on the situation, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California also staying quiet. Schultz did not respond to a message from Fox News Digital. Fletcher had previously mentioned that he and Ohtani were good friends. While MLB players and employees are allowed to bet on sports other than baseball, placing wagers through illegal bookmakers could lead to punishment from the commissioner’s office. Those who bet on games they didn’t participate in could face a one-year suspension, while those who bet on games they did play in could potentially be banned for life.
In addition to Fletcher’s betting controversy, Ohtani was involved in a separate scandal earlier in the season when his former interpreter was accused of stealing nearly $17 million from the star player’s bank account to cover debts. Mizuhara, the former trainer, pleaded not guilty to the charges in federal court and signed a plea agreement detailing the allegations. The incident added another layer of drama to the already tumultuous season for both players. Ohtani’s career has been marked by both incredible on-field accomplishments and off-field challenges, including injuries and legal issues.
The situation involving Fletcher and Ohtani has put a spotlight on the potential risks and consequences of engaging with illegal bookmakers in the sports world. While betting on sports other than baseball is allowed for MLB players and employees, using unauthorized channels to place wagers can lead to severe penalties. The league takes such matters seriously to protect the integrity of the game and ensure that all participants adhere to strict guidelines and regulations. The incidents involving Fletcher and Ohtani serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding the highest standards of conduct in professional sports.
Both players have experienced ups and downs during their careers, with Ohtani emerging as a dynamic two-way star and Fletcher establishing himself as a reliable infielder. However, their association with the betting scandal has raised questions and concerns about their judgment and decision-making off the field. It remains to be seen how MLB will handle the situation and what repercussions Fletcher and potentially Schultz may face as a result of their actions. As the league continues to investigate the matter, both players must navigate through the fallout of the controversy and work towards rebuilding their reputations on and off the field. The betting scandal involving Fletcher and Ohtani serves as a cautionary tale for all athletes, highlighting the importance of making responsible choices and avoiding illegal activities that could jeopardize their careers and tarnish their legacies.
