On April 12, 2024, a startling revelation emerged involving Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani.
According to an affidavit filed by federal authorities, Mizuhara allegedly stole more than $16 million from Ohtani over a span of two years.
The funds were purportedly used to settle gambling debts with an illegal sportsbook.
A seeming confession from Ippei Mizuhara, via text to a bookmaker, on the day @TishaESPN's story ran. pic.twitter.com/YvX5jCk893
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 11, 2024
The complaint accuses Mizuhara of bank fraud, a serious offense that can carry a maximum fine of up to $1 million and/or a prison sentence of up to 30 years according to federal sentencing guidelines.
Ohtani, referred to in the complaint as a “professional baseball player,” denied authorizing the transfers.
Text messages revealed Mizuhara’s gambling activities, and bank records indicated changes to the account associated with him.
This shocking turn of events highlights the delicate balance of trust and betrayal, especially given Mizuhara’s close proximity to Ohtani as an interpreter.
The language barrier seemingly played a role in facilitating the alleged theft, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in financial matters even among trusted individuals.
Fans reacted as follows.
That does not read like a confession at all
— Rational Yankees Fan (@rational_yankee) April 11, 2024
what does he mean by “technically” though
— Chase (@Chasehuglin) April 11, 2024
Ippei is bad at being a criminal
— RB (@rbhockey6) April 11, 2024
“It’s all over for me” 💀💀💀 pic.twitter.com/oOoSOFMVgw
— AustinBarnesTruther (@WaustinBarnyard) April 11, 2024
Sounds like it was a cover
— BoredClint.eth (@BoredClint) April 11, 2024
MLB propaganda machine working overtime
— Brendan Farrell (@Bren_Farrell) April 11, 2024
FALL GUY
— Jimmy Randazzo (@JimmyRandazzo) April 11, 2024
I’m sorry but that “technically” says way more than the rest of the statement
— New York Talk Exchange (@NY_talkexchange) April 11, 2024
Confession??? That's not a confession homie
— PeteMob57🇺🇸 (@PeteMob4218) April 11, 2024
Someone was 100% standing over his shoulder as he replied to that text “it’s all over for me” 💀
— Bryce (SELL ME SPORTS CARDS) (@SellMeCards) April 11, 2024
This is Clearly Photoshopped.
— FAX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFAX) April 11, 2024
Cover guy for Ohtani 🧢
— BINK🎯 (@therealbink1) April 11, 2024
Did they explain how Ohtani’s accountant(s) didn’t catch the $16 mil in withdrawals?
— Radioactive Squirrel 🟧 🇺🇸☮️ 🐬💙😈 (@asleepinpa) April 11, 2024
Technically, there were no rules on the books saying you couldn't steal signs electronically in 2017.
— Astros Luke (@stroslukesiuefa) April 11, 2024
Technically is an interesting choice of words.
— dave (@klkdave) April 11, 2024
Years of text searched no mention of gambling from ohtani
— Teller (@AnonymousFaith_) April 11, 2024
Makes sense why Shohei took that crazy deal .. he was scared he was gonna gamble it all 😱
— TheMangleLorian (@TheMangleLorian) April 11, 2024
Witch hunt. They’re not after Ippei, they’re after you – Ippei is just in the way. Stop the count.
— Soto’s Banana (@IPAPapi) April 11, 2024
Why would he admit this? If he is going to take the fall, TAKE THE FALL. Don’t admit to anyone Ohtani is in on it.
— Stephen Ai Smith ᶠᵃⁿ (@stephenaismth) April 11, 2024
Holy shit… this is how you know it is a cover job.
— Broha808 (@Broha808) April 11, 2024
