The Los Angeles Dodgers interpreter for Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired after it was discovered that $4.5 million had been transferred from Ohtani’s bank account to a bookmaking operation.
Mizuhara, a longtime friend of Ohtani’s, had accumulated gambling debts to the bookmaker, who is currently under federal investigation.
The latest on the firing of Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter amid questions about the transfer of $4.5 million from Ohtani’s bank account to a bookmaking operation under federal investigation, from ESPN’s Tisha Thompson: https://t.co/M8qfg9lElk pic.twitter.com/reo8s272Pb
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 20, 2024
Reporters began questioning the wire transfers, leading to conflicting statements from Ohtani’s spokesman. Initially, it was stated that the funds were used to cover Mizuhara’s debt, but later it was disavowed, claiming that Ohtani had been a victim of theft.
Ohtani’s lawyers were expected to issue a statement regarding the situation, and the investigation is ongoing to determine if the theft was committed by someone unknown.
The wire transfers were sent to an associate of the bookmaker, and Ohtani’s name was found on two $500,000 payments. Sports betting is illegal in California, even though it is legal in other states.
It was revealed that Mizuhara placed bets through the bookmaker on various international sports, excluding baseball, since 2021. The bookmaker falsely associated Ohtani’s name to enhance their business.
However, the bookmaker’s attorney clarified that they had no contact with Ohtani. Mizuhara admitted to asking Ohtani to pay off his debt but stated that Ohtani had no knowledge of the situation.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have fired Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani's long-time interpreter.
The LA Times is reporting that Mizuhara stole millions of dollars from Ohtani to place bets with an illegal bookmaker in California.
Wild story. pic.twitter.com/6nee3kJvEh
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) March 20, 2024
Mizuhara and Ohtani have a close friendship and professional relationship, with Mizuhara serving as Ohtani’s translator since 2018. He is well-known among baseball fans and provides various assistance to Ohtani.
Mizuhara revealed that he had an annual salary of $300,000 to $500,000 and emphasized that he never bet on baseball due to league rules.
There is an ongoing federal investigation into the wire payments made to Ohtani, which were linked to the bookmaking operation run by Mathew Bowyer.
Mizuhara admitted to meeting Bowyer and incurring significant losses through betting. Ohtani agreed to pay off Mizuhara’s debts through labeled “loan” wire transfers.
It remains uncertain if federal authorities have contacted Ohtani or Mizuhara.
Ohtani did not directly give Mizuhara the money due to his gambling issues. Mizuhara has promised to repay Ohtani. MLB is currently gathering facts about the situation.
Federal authorities have declined to comment, and Bowyer may face felony charges. Ohtani’s camp states that he was a victim of theft, with no knowledge of Mizuhara’s gambling activities or efforts to repay debts.
A rough timeline:
– Ohtani rep goes on record W/ESPN stating Ohtani transferred $4.5MM himself to bookmaker on behalf of Ippei.
– Spokesperson for Ohtani delivers Ippei to ESPN for statement. Ippei says Ohtani NEVER bet & felt bad for him & paid off his debt so he’d never do…
— Dallas Braden (@DALLASBRADEN209) March 20, 2024
Mizuhara takes full responsibility and is willing to face the consequences. He denies ever betting on baseball. During a Dodgers’ game, Mizuhara confessed his gambling addiction to the team’s dugout and clubhouse.
Ohtani’s contract with the Dodgers defers the majority of his salary until 2034-2043. Bowyer’s investigation is being handled by the same U.S. attorney’s office dealing with the Wayne Nix federal money laundering and illegal gambling case.
Nix has pleaded guilty, while Yasiel Puig has been charged with lying, and Scott Sibella has admitted to knowing about Nix’s illegal business. MGM Grand and the Cosmopolitan casino will pay fines totaling $7.45 million.
Fans reacted as follows.
What if Ohtani was involved too but ippei was just the scape goat
— JC (@jcwrld05) March 20, 2024
How on earth would the interpreter have access to Ohtani’s private bank account?
This doesn’t pass the smell test and looks like a cover up with the interpreter as the fall guy
— Patrick Lowry (@Patrick_Lowry_) March 20, 2024
This is fishy. And something seems way off here. Lets see how it plays out. Too many red flags
— Casey (@CaseyJ_516) March 20, 2024
Wait till find out it was Ohtani placing the bets. Pete Rose 2.0
— ThorOdinson ⚡️⚡️ ⚡️ (@someBKLYNguy) March 20, 2024
Money is really the root of all evil & sports betting has gone way too far again
— Nati Sports (@Nati_Sports) March 20, 2024
So Ohtani himself transferred the money to for Ippeis funds. How is that theft on ippeis part?
— “Jacob” (@Jacob_Homec) March 20, 2024
So how does this work? Does Shohei retire and go play for the Maine Celtics now?
— JayShockblast 🔜PAX East (@JayShockblast) March 20, 2024
Oh boy…
"Initially, a spokesman for Ohtani told ESPN the slugger had transferred the funds to cover Mizuhara's gambling debt. The spokesman presented Mizuhara to ESPN for a 90-minute interview Tuesday night, during which Mizuhara laid out his account in great detail.…
— Master Live 013 (@MasterLive013) March 20, 2024
What is an interpreter doing with access to Shohei Ohtani’s finances? As a federal criminal defense attorney, something doesn’t add up. #ShoheiOhtani @ConDetrimental pic.twitter.com/AUynG5n2Fw
— Matt Tympanick (@TympanickLaw) March 20, 2024
Are we sure Ohtani is the not the one gambling and this is a cover up? Michael Jordan 2.0
— GutsyPicksCash (@GutsyPicksCash) March 20, 2024
It’s just not adding up to me. Why would he say Ohtani transferred the funds but then once pressured by Ohtani rep backtracks his statement? Where there’s smoke there’s fire…
— Slim Pick’em💰 (@Slim_Pickem) March 20, 2024
I am utterly SHOCKED that a sport that is absolutely inundated with advertisements to entice people to bet on sports may have a scandal involving someone betting on sports.
Absolutely SHOCKED!
— Cody (@memeshiftedwake) March 20, 2024
Realizing The Greatest Player,
Of Our Generation,
Won’t Make It To The
Hall Of Fame,
Because Of A Parlay pic.twitter.com/pGqIw8NFKj— Vintage_Steez (@VintageSteez) March 20, 2024
So either ippei was covering for shohei or shohei wanted to help ippei out by not accusing him of stealing at the beginning. Either way, truth will come out soon. IMO, ippei would cover for shohei if this is just gambling, but there is no way he take the fault for stealing
— PCM4ever (@GuyTrumpy) March 20, 2024
I’m not saying Ohtani gambled, but in the least they’re trying to construe it where he wasn’t the person who sent the money bc that ultimately does implicate him whether or not he gambled or paid off a friends debt. I assume this is why they’re trying to say Ippie stole now.
— Kristin (@kristinbroadway) March 20, 2024
Good work sir. If this is the case, & they do need to complete a thorough investigation to ensure that he isn't a patsy, then SO should just be looked upon as a good friend.
And warned that being so close to it, exposes him to extortion or the perception of.
— Chuck (@CW1313CW) March 20, 2024
