Los Angeles Dodgers Star Shohei Ohtani Breaks Silence on Interpreter's Gambling Saga
In his first time addressing the media since the Seoul Series, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani said his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, stole money from him and lied about it.
Five long days after the Shohei Ohtani gambling controversy began, the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar finally emerged to speak to the media.
Ohtani and his longtime interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, were recently caught up in an illegal sports betting scheme being investigated by the FBI, leading to the Dodgers firing Mizuhara on March 20. The ensuing week has been full of confusion, contradiction and conspiracy theories as many were unsure if Ohtani was robbed, betting on games or decided to cover his friend's $4.5 million in debt.
To clear the air and address the situation, Ohtani agreed to make a public statement Monday. The Japanese slugger did not, however, answer any questions from reporters.
Ohtani was joined by the Dodgers' manager of performance operations, Will Ireton, who is currently serving as his new interpreter.
"I never bet on baseball or any other sports or never have asked somebody to do that on my behalf," Ireton said, translating for Ohtani. "And I have never went through a bookmaker to bet on sports."
Ohtani accused Mizuhara of stealing from his bank accounts, lying to the media and going behind his back to speak to reporters. The 29-year-old designated hitter claimed he did not know about Mizuhara's gambling problem until a team-wide meeting following the Dodgers' season opener in Seoul, Korea.
Mizuhara had spoken in English, though, so Ohtani said he met with his interpreter back at their hotel to gather more details. Once he learned of Mizuhara's gambling addiction and debt with an illegal bookmaker in Southern California, Ohtani said he contacted his representatives, his lawyers and Dodgers team officials.
"Just on a personal note," Oreton said for Ohtani, "I'm very saddened and shocked that someone who I entrusted has done this."
Ohtani made it clear that he did not agree to either bankroll Mizuhara's gambling habit or pay off his debts.
The Dodgers signed Ohtani to a record-breaking $700 million contract in December, luring him away from the Los Angeles Angels. The two-time AL MVP has made a name for himself as a two-way player, but he will not be able to pitch this season after undergoing elbow surgery in the fall.
Ohtani, one of the most popular athletes on the planet, will surely continue to deal with the fallout of the gambling saga as it continues to play out.
Through it all, the Dodgers will open up their domestic regular season slate Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. PT.
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