Shohei Ohtani-related allegations of a gambling scandal have rocked the MLB world. Two days ago, reports surfaced implicating Ohtani’s ex-interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, in a scheme involving millions of dollars.
Approximately, $4.5 million was allegedly transferred from Ohtani’s accounts to an associate of an illegal bookmaker under federal investigation. These transactions, each totaling $500,000, have sparked a controversy.
Ohtani’s camp wasted no time in responding, saying that Mizuhara orchestrated the transfers to cover his own gambling debts, labeling it a “massive theft.” However, the plot thickened when initial reports suggested Mizuhara had claimed Ohtani was aware of the situation and had agreed to assist in settling the debts. Later, Mizuhara changed his tune, mentioning that Ohtani was completely unaware of the transfers or any gambling activities.
In the wake of these explosive allegations, Major League Baseball has launched a formal investigation into the matter. Despite the turmoil, Ohtani himself has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
On Wednesday saw, Shohei’s team, Los Angeles Dodgers took swift action and terminated Mizuhara from his position upon learning of the allegations.
Adding to the drama, Ohtani has recently taken a notable step by deleting all his Instagram photos featuring Mizuhara. It has prompted a flurry of reactions from eagle-eyed fans who are closely following the controversy.
“I have to say until Mizuhara told all the truth, I cannot feel sorry for him. As someone else said, he had the best job and most generous friend in the world, but he fumbled so badly. Everyone made mistakes, but you have to be true to yourself and take responsibility,” wrote one fan.
I have to say until Mizuhara told all the truth, I cannot feel sorry for him. As someone else said, he had the best job and most generous friend in the world, but he fumbled so badly. Everyone made mistakes, but you have to be true to yourself and take responsibility.
— pam young (@pamyoung790209) March 23, 2024
“Friendship break up is real,” commented another.
Friendship break up is real. 😞😞
— DieHardShobae (@DHShobae) March 23, 2024
“Betrayal is hard to forgive,” wrote a third fan.
Betrayal is hard to forgive.
— 4snanase (@ns1238855) March 23, 2024
“Anyone would’ve probably done the same thing if your best friend betrayed you in such a large scale,” read another comment.
Anyone would’ve probably done the same thing if your best friend betrayed you in such a large scale
— Curtis (@calvy47) March 23, 2024
“This is going to take a huge toll on Shohei. No way the loss of anBFF like that doesn’t impact his mental health,” commented a fifth fan.
This is going to take a huge toll on Shohei. No way the loss of anBFF like that doesn’t impact his mental health.
— The Strength of the Hills is Hers Also (@KristinManix) March 23, 2024
FYI, fans are right! Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara had a close friendship in addition to their professional relationship. Mizuhara had been Ohtani’s interpreter since his days playing in Japan. They continued working together after Ohtani joined the Los Angeles Angels in 2018.
Shohei Ohtani, along with his wife Mamiko Tanaka, has returned to the USA after the Los Angeles Dodgers concluded their two-game season-opening series against the Padres in Seoul, South Korea. Joining them on the trip back was Will Ireton, the Dodgers’ manager of performance operations, who has stepped in as Ohtani’s temporary interpreter.
