Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, is reportedly in discussions to plead guilty to fraud after allegedly stealing Ohtani's money to pay off gambling debts.
Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, is reportedly expected to plead guilty to fraud after allegedly stealing money from the MLB star to pay off gambling debts. Ohtani has said he had no knowledge of Mizuhara's supposed gambling addiction nor that he had $4.5 million stolen. Authorities believe they have evidence that Mizuhara actually shut off notifications on Ohtani's bank account in which he would not know money was being taken out, the New York Times reported.
Amid differing stories Mizuhara told, there has been speculation that it was actually Ohtani gambling and that Mizuhara was taking the hit – two wire transfers totaling $1 million were sent in Ohtani's name to a bookie. But Ohtani said he has 'never bet on baseball or any other sports, or never have asked somebody to do that on my behalf.' 'I’m very saddened and shocked that someone who I trusted has done this,' Ohtani said just prior to Opening Day.
Ohtani's attorneys told the Los Angeles Times that Mizuhara was stealing 'millions' from the two-way star to gamble through an illegal bookmaker – Orange County, California, resident, Mathew Bowyer, who is under federal investigation. Bowyer's attorney, Diane Bass, told the outlet her client 'never met, spoke with, or texted or had any contact in any way' with Ohtani.
The Dodgers fired Mizuhara, who had been Ohtani's personal translator since he joined the majors in 2018. Mizuhara even caught Ohtani's bullpen sessions and often played catch with him in the outfield. Ohtani signed a $700 million contract with the Dodgers in the offseason, the largest in North American sports history. Ohtani has deferred $68 million annually until after the deal is complete. It's also reported that he is, by far, the sport's largest earner in sponsors.
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