Following the controversy surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, being fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers due to alleged gambling-related issues, sports commentator Colin Cowherd took a laid-back approach to the situation.
Cowherd, known for his engaging monologues, addressed the issue on his Thursday show, drawing on personal experiences and analogies. He referenced his upbringing in Washington State, where cannabis was prevalent, to illustrate his nonchalant attitude towards taboo topics.
"People are gonna bet on sports, smoke pot, have sex and drink. You’re completely naive if you think you can govern it. It’s the way it works in America. We like our liberties and our freedoms. Authoritarian politicians don’t work. And the election wasn't rigged." pic.twitter.com/4HJXxVoG06
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 21, 2024
While acknowledging the seriousness of the situation for the Dodgers and MLB, Cowherd expressed skepticism and implied a sense of resignation towards illicit activities like gambling. He suggested that individuals will always seek out forbidden pleasures, such as betting on sports, regardless of regulations.
However, Cowherd’s relaxed stance contrasts with the growing concern within baseball circles about the potential scandal involving Ohtani. Conflicting reports and uncertainties surrounding the incident only add fuel to the fire, especially as professional sports leagues increasingly embrace sports betting.
While Cowherd’s viewpoint may be refreshing to some, it diverges from the approach MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred must take in addressing such issues.
