Suspicions Piling Up: Otani Speaks Out on Interpreter's Illegal Gambling Allegations

Otani Interpreter Illegal Gambling Scandal
Otani May Also Face Disciplinary Action

Interpreter Ippei Mizuhara (40), who works for MLB star Shohei Ohtani (30, LA Dodgers), is suspected of embezzling Ohtani's money to repay illegal gambling debts. As the controversy spreads, Ohtani has decided to make a statement regarding the matter.

On the 25th (Korean time), the Associated Press reported that Ohtani will announce his position on the incident on the 26th. Mizuhara, who was Ohtani's interpreter, was fired by the Dodgers on the 21st during the MLB Seoul Series for squandering money on illegal gambling and using Ohtani's funds to settle gambling debts. Mizuhara has been Ohtani's friend and interpreter for over seven years since Ohtani played for the Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japanese professional baseball.

On the afternoon of the 20th, at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, during the official opening game of Major League Baseball (MLB) between the LA Dodgers and the San Diego Padres, Shohei Ohtani of the LA Dodgers is having a conversation with interpreter Mizuhara Ippei.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

While Mizuhara admitted to illegal gambling, he told the media that Ohtani initially sent money directly to the gambling operators to repay Mizuhara's gambling debt of $4.5 million (approximately 6.048 billion KRW). However, Ohtani's side strongly denied this, asserting that Ohtani was a victim of Mizuhara's theft, and Mizuhara later changed his story, increasing suspicion around the case.

Mizuhara initially claimed he did not bet on baseball. However, if Mizuhara did bet on baseball contrary to his statement, and if Ohtani was aware of this, regardless of the legality of the gambling, Ohtani would be banned from participating in games for one year.

Shohei Ohtani of the LA Dodgers is preparing for the second game between the San Diego Padres and the LA Dodgers in the official opening match of the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) World Tour Seoul Series held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul on the 21st. [Image source=Yonhap News]

American media have pressured Ohtani to make a statement to clarify the truth transparently. Accordingly, Ohtani has decided to stand before the microphone on the 26th. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, "I am glad that Ohtani will share what he currently knows and his thoughts on the situation," adding, "Ohtani's press conference will provide us with clearer information." Currently, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service is investigating the Mizuhara case, and the MLB office is separately examining whether Ohtani is involved.