The Los Angeles Dodgers’ longtime interpreter for superstar Shohei Ohtani has been dismissed following allegations of substantial embezzlement linked to gambling, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Ohtani’s legal representatives have accused Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter, of pilfering millions of dollars and placing bets with a bookmaker under federal scrutiny.
According to reports from the Los Angeles Times and ESPN, Ohtani’s legal team has accused Ippei Mizuhara of embezzling substantial funds and placing bets with a bookmaker currently under federal investigation. Berk Brettler LLP, Ohtani’s legal counsel, stated to CNN that they have discovered significant theft targeting Shohei, and they are handing the matter over to the authorities. The Dodgers have confirmed the termination of interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, stating they are aware of the situation and are gathering further information.
Mizuhara served as Ohtani’s translator during the team’s victory against the San Diego Padres in the MLB season opener in Seoul, South Korea. In an interview with ESPN, Mizuhara denied any involvement in betting on Major League Baseball games and insisted that Ohtani had no part in it. He expressed regret over his actions and pledged to refrain from sports betting in the future.
Attempts to obtain comments from Ohtani’s agent, Major League Baseball, the Dodgers, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office have been made by CNN. Mizuhara and Ohtani collaborated from 2013 to 2017 in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball League, where Mizuhara served as an interpreter for non-Japanese speaking players. After Ohtani invited him to Los Angeles, Mizuhara became Ohtani’s interpreter during his rookie season with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018.
Shohei Ohtani, the 29-year-old two-time American League MVP, signed a groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in the recent offseason.
