Baseball Star Shohei Ohtani’s Interpreter Controversy
Baseball star Shohei Ohtani recently played a game amidst controversy surrounding his interpreter’s alleged involvement in illegal activities. Here are the details:
Dodgers PR Blocks Media Questions
During a game in South Korea, Dodgers public relations officials prevented media from asking Ohtani questions following the team’s decision to fire his interpreter for alleged ties to illegal bookmaking.
Manager’s Response
Manager Dave Roberts refrained from commenting further on the interpreter’s dismissal and the circumstances surrounding it. He assured that Ohtani would continue playing without changes to the lineup.
Interpreter’s Firing
The Dodgers fired Ohtani’s longtime interpreter after reports linked wire transfers from Ohtani’s account to a bookmaking operation under investigation. The interpreter denied gambling on baseball.
Legal Concerns
Betting on sports is illegal in California, and MLB prohibits any form of sports gambling. Ohtani’s attorneys accused the interpreter of involvement in a “massive theft” related to illegal gambling.
Turning to Authorities
Ohtani’s legal team announced that they are involving authorities in the matter of the alleged theft. The situation came to light during the team’s game against the San Diego Padres in Seoul.
Game Performance
Ohtani played in the game despite the controversy, with a notable at-bat in the eighth inning. He finished the Seoul Series with a 3-for-10 record as the designated hitter for the Dodgers.