Shohei Ohtani Investigation in Major League Baseball
Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese baseball superstar, has the right to refuse to speak with Major League Baseball officials as a member of the MLB Players Association. This right may come into play due to an ongoing criminal investigation.
MLB Investigation into Shohei Ohtani
Major League Baseball recently announced the opening of an investigation into allegations involving Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. The league has been gathering information about the incident following Mizuhara’s termination by the Dodgers.
- The Allegations: Mizuhara was accused of “massive theft” after it was revealed that over $4.5 million of Ohtani’s money was sent through wire transfers to a bookmaking operation under federal investigation.
- MLB’s Actions: The league is expected to request interviews with all parties involved, including Ohtani and Mizuhara. However, as Mizuhara is no longer employed by a team, MLB cannot compel him to speak.
Legal Implications and Investigations
Given the ongoing criminal investigation, Ohtani may choose not to cooperate with MLB. Initially, Ohtani’s lawyers claimed that he had paid Mizuhara’s gambling debts, but later accused him of unauthorized transfers.
- IRS Investigation: The IRS has confirmed that Mizuhara and the alleged illegal bookmaker, Mathew Bowyer, are under investigation by the agency’s Los Angeles field office.
- Mizuhara’s Role: Mizuhara has been Ohtani’s interpreter since the baseball star’s debut with the Los Angeles Angels in 2017.
Ohtani, who recently signed a lucrative deal with the Dodgers, is facing scrutiny amidst his outstanding performance in the league.
