Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter fired after reports of theft
The Los Angeles Dodgers have dismissed Ippei Mizuhara, longtime interpreter for baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani, following accusations of involvement in theft related to illegal gambling activities.
ESPN reported that approximately $4.5 million (£3.5 million) had been transferred from Ohtani’s bank account to a bookmaker. However, Ohtani himself has not been implicated in any wrongdoing.
Mizuhara spoke to ESPN on Tuesday regarding the matter.
This development coincides with Ohtani’s debut in the regular season with the Dodgers.
The team’s senior communications director informed the BBC that they are currently in the process of gathering information and have confirmed the termination of interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.
While sports betting is legal in 38 states across America, it remains illegal in California.
Major League Baseball enforces its own strict policy prohibiting any player, umpire, or club/league official or employee from betting on baseball games or engaging with illegal bookmakers.
ESPN’s investigation revealed bank records indicating two $500,000 payments attributed to Ohtani, one in September and another in October, made to a bookmaking operation managed by Mathew Bowyer.
According to reports from the Los Angeles Times, Bowyer was investigated by a prosecution team focused on a significant illegal sports betting scheme, although no charges were filed against him.
During his interview, Mizuhara purportedly disclosed that he had sought assistance from the baseball star to address his gambling debts.
“Obviously, [Ohtani] wasn’t happy about it and said he would help me out to make sure I never do this again,” Mr Mizuhara reportedly said.
“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.”
A spokesman for Ohtani initially told ESPN that the former Los Angeles Angels star had transferred funds to cover his interpreter’s gambling debts but he has since debunked the account.
Mr Mizuhara himself has reportedly changed his story, now saying that Ohtani did not know about the gambling debts and did not transfer money.
The LA Times has reported that Ohtani’s attorneys have since accused his interpreter of “massive theft”.
“In the course of responding to recent media inquiries, we discovered that Shohei has been the victim of a massive theft, and we are turning the matter over to the authorities,” a statement from West Hollywood law firm Berk Brettler reportedly read. The BBC has contacted the law firm for confirmation.
Shohei Ohtani recently signed a record 10-year, $700m contract with the Dodgers, after winning his second unanimous American League MVP award.
His stint in the US started in 2018, and Mr Mizuhara has been a constant companion. He and his wife were recently seen in a picture which unveiled Ohtani’s wife, Mamiko Tanaka after weeks of speculation.
Mr Mizuhara’s ability to interpret Ohtani’s comments into colloquial English has been widely praised in Japan.
