Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, is facing charges of fraud after allegedly stealing $4.5 million from the MLB star to pay off gambling debts. Ohtani claims he was unaware of Mizuhara’s gambling addiction or the money being taken from his account, as Mizuhara had reportedly turned off notifications of withdrawals. There have been conflicting reports, with speculation that Ohtani himself was gambling and Mizuhara was taking the blame, but Ohtani denies ever betting on sports or asking someone to do so on his behalf. Ohtani expressed shock and disappointment at the situation just before Opening Day, revealing that he only learned of Mizuhara’s actions during a recent trip to South Korea.
Ohtani’s attorneys have stated that Mizuhara was siphoning off millions of dollars from the baseball player to gamble through an illegal bookmaker named Mathew Bowyer, who is currently under federal investigation. Bowyer’s attorney denies any direct contact between Bowyer and Ohtani. Mizuhara was fired by the Dodgers, where he had been working as Ohtani’s personal interpreter since 2018. The MLB has initiated an investigation into the incident, which has raised questions about the extent of Ohtani’s involvement in the gambling activities that Mizuhara allegedly funded.
Before the scandal came to light, Ohtani had signed a record-breaking $700 million contract with the Dodgers, with $68 million deferred annually until the deal is completed. Ohtani is reportedly the highest-earning athlete in terms of sponsorship deals within the sport of baseball. Despite the financial fallout due to Mizuhara’s actions, Ohtani remains focused on his career and continuing to excel on the field. The situation has highlighted the risks and vulnerabilities that high-profile athletes like Ohtani face when entrusting their financial affairs to others, as well as the importance of closely monitoring personal accounts and transactions.
The discovery of Mizuhara’s fraudulent activities has caused a significant rift in Ohtani’s professional and personal life, as he grapples with the betrayal and loss of trust in someone he considered a close confidant. The incident has also raised concerns about the potential impact on Ohtani’s reputation and career, as well as the broader implications for the sports industry. The ongoing investigation by MLB and law enforcement authorities will shed further light on the extent of Mizuhara’s actions and any potential consequences for those involved. Ohtani is determined to stay focused on his training and upcoming games, despite the distractions and challenges posed by the scandal surrounding his former interpreter.
