Los Angeles Dodgers’ star player, Shohei Ohtani, has found himself caught up in a legal whirlwind, with his longtime interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, at the center of it all. Allegations of illegal gambling and theft have rocked the Dodgers organization, prompting swift action from the team, which terminated Mizuhara’s employment.
Reports suggest Mizuhara is accused of siphoning off millions from Ohtani’s accounts to place unauthorized bets with an underground bookmaker. However, Ohtani’s camp vehemently denies any involvement and asserts that he was unaware of Mizuhara’s actions.
Opening Day Bombshell: Shohei Ohtani's Translator And Best Friend Ippei Mizuhara Fired By Dodgers After Being Accused Of Stealing Millions From Shohei And Illegally Gambling https://t.co/lGwMl4Ozxa pic.twitter.com/R0FaPl71tR
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) March 21, 2024
Adding to the confusion, Mizuhara’s statements have contradicted each other and left the situation even murkier. Initially, Mizuhara asserted that Ohtani was aware of the gambling debts and had requested him to settle them. However, he later reversed his stance and claimed that Ohtani did not know the situation.
Further complicating matters is the alleged involvement of Mathew Bowyer, the supposed bookmaker, who was already under federal investigation. Despite the uproar, no formal charges have been filed involving Shohei Ohtani.
To mitigate the fallout, the Dodgers wasted no time appointing a replacement for Mizuhara. Will Ireton, who wears many hats within the organization, including Manager of Performance Operations, has stepped in as Ohtani’s new interpreter.
Ippei Mizuhara had served as Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s interpreter in conversations with coaches and mound visits as well.
Starting tonight, Will Ireton — who had been Kenta Maeda’s interpreter in LA — will serve as Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter and Yamamoto’s in-game interpreter.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 21, 2024
Ireton’s experience, including serving as an interpreter for Japanese pitcher Kenta Maeda, makes him a familiar face in Dodgers circles, earning him the nickname “Will the Thrill.” His role goes beyond interpretation, as he oversees player data analysis to enhance performance on the field.
