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The Dodgers Dismiss Shohei Ohtani’s Long-Time Interpreter Amid Allegations
The Dodgers have terminated the employment of Ippei Mizuhara, the dedicated interpreter of the two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. The decision came in light of allegations surrounding Mizuhara’s involvement in gambling debts and purported ‘massive theft.’
Allegations and Federal Investigation
At least $4.5 million in wire transfers were traced from Ohtani’s bank account to a bookmaking operation in Southern California, currently the subject of federal scrutiny as reported by ESPN’s Tisha Thompson on Wednesday. The debts that Mizuhara accumulated stemmed from bets placed on various sports such as soccer, the NBA, the NFL, and college football, with the notable exception of baseball, as indicated in his statements to ESPN.
Responding on Ohtani’s behalf, a representative at Berk Brettler LLP conveyed to ESPN, “In the course of addressing recent media inquiries, we uncovered that Shohei fell victim to significant theft and have escalated the matter to the relevant authorities.”
Legal Implications and Personal Denials
Emphasizing the unlawfulness of sports betting in California, Mizuhara clarified to ESPN, “I want everyone to know Shohei had zero involvement in betting. I want people to know I did not know this was illegal. I learned my lesson the hard way. I will never do sports betting ever again.”
Immediate Context
The timing of this development coincides with the Dodgers’ participation in the initial regular-season MLB game in South Korea. The team secured a victory over the San Diego Padres with a score of 5-2 in the first game of a two-game series held at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. Notably, Mizuhara was present at the event, actively supporting Ohtani in his interpreter role.
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