During the MLB 2024 Seoul Series, reports surfaced alleging that millions of dollars were transferred from Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s bank account to a suspected bookmaker. The total amount transferred was reported to be around $4.5 million. Sports betting is illegal in California, where the alleged gambling took place. The bookmaker involved is also under investigation by federal authorities.
According to Ohtani’s legal representatives, Shohei’s longtime friend and former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara is involved.
The situation became murkier with conflicting narratives. Mizuhara initially admitted to gambling and owing money, then shifted his stance, suggesting Ohtani was aware of the transfers, a claim vehemently denied by Ohtani.
Mizuhara was dismissed by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday following allegations of “massive theft” made by Ohtani’s legal team.
Amid these, Major League Baseball has initiated an investigation. Concurrently, federal authorities are conducting a separate investigation into the alleged bookmaking operation.
Now, amid the developments, Shohei Ohtani held a press conference on Monday, following the news of his former interpreter’s gambling allegations.
Ohtani denied any involvement in gambling and clearly stated he “never bet on baseball or any other sports.”
“I’ve never bet on baseball or any other sports or asked someone to do it on my behalf,” Ohtani said. “I’ve never asked a bookmaker to do it on my behalf. Up until a few days ago, I didn’t know this was happening. In conclusion, Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has told lies.”
Ohtani also said he was “very sad and shocked” about the situation with his former trusted interpreter.
While Ohtani delivered a prepared statement, he did not take questions from the media.
Once the clip of the press conference featuring Shohei Ohtani’s statements went viral, MLB fans jumped in with their opinions. Many people refuted buying into two-way phenom’s statements
“He’s really just blowing smoke up everyone’s a**. LOL, there’s no possible way I would allow anyone access to my bank account. I don’t care if you’ve been my best friend since birth. He’s guilty, and Ippei is just the fall guy; charges would have been publicly pressed already if this were true. Be frank,” wrote one fan.
He really just blowing smoke up everyones ass lol no possible way would I allow anyone access to my bank account I don’t care if you’re my best friend since birth. He’s guilty and ippei is just the fall guy, charges would have been publicly pressed already if this is true be fr
— JLCoombes (@JL_Coombes) March 26, 2024
Another fan replied saying, “It seems even more shady considering that Shohei didn’t have a “friendship” with him. Said they were business partners. I am now starting to more strongly suspect that he was placing those bets.”
It’s seems even more shady considering that Shohei didn’t have a “friendship” with him. Said they were business partners. I am now starting to more strongly suspect that he was placing those bets.
— Jeff Dunham (@joe123267891) March 26, 2024
“The dude speaks perfect English but wants to use a translator still. Whatever man. He knows more than his translator is telling us. He needs to explain how his interpreter had access to his account and how he was able to wire transfer all that money with Ohtani’s signature,” another fan questioned.
The dude speaks perfect English but wants to use a translator still. Whatever man. He knows more than his translator is telling us. He needs to explain how his interpreter had access to his account and how he was able to wire transfer all that money with Ohtani’s signature
— *Jihad is the name. Slingshot Engaged (@JimboJumbo27) March 25, 2024
“Like anyone believes this,” wrote a fourth fan.
Like anyone believes this 💀
— GZA ティッカー (@GzaOnAir) March 25, 2024
“How/why did the interpreter have access to Ohtani’s bank account? I want to believe that Ohtani had nothing to do with the gambling, but this story makes me skeptical,” read another comment.
How/why did the interpreter have access to Ohtani's bank account? I want to believe that Ohtani had nothing to do with the gambling, but this story makes me skeptical.
— Dave Collins (@DaveCollins_88) March 26, 2024
Major League Baseball’s Rule 21 (d)(3) states that “Any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee who places bets with illegal bookmakers, or agents for illegal book makers, shall be subject to such penalty as the Commissioner deems appropriate in light of the facts and circumstances of the conduct.”
Despite all the legal woes and media scrutiny, Shohei Ohtani played in the recent Seoul Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres.
The series was the opening series of the MLB season, held in South Korea in March 2024. Ohtani’s presence was a major draw for fans.
On Thursday, March 28, all 30 MLB teams will be scheduled to play their official Opening Day games in their home stadiums across North America.
