Shohei Ohtani Addresses Gambling Scandal
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani revealed that he was a victim of theft by his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who had gambling debts. Ohtani denied any involvement in betting on baseball or knowingly paying a bookmaker. Here are the details of the incident:
Ohtani’s Public Statement
- Ohtani expressed shock and sadness over the betrayal by his trusted interpreter.
- He clarified that he never participated in sports betting or willingly transferred money to a bookmaker.
- Ohtani stated that he was unaware of Mizuhara’s gambling debts and felt deceived by the interpreter.
Investigation and Legal Actions
Ohtani revealed that Mizuhara confessed to using Ohtani’s account for making payments to the bookmaker. The situation led to investigations and legal actions:
- Attorneys confirmed Mizuhara’s unauthorized use of Ohtani’s funds to settle with an alleged illegal bookmaker.
- Reports indicated that significant amounts were transferred from Ohtani’s account to a gambling operation in Southern California.
Ohtani’s Response
Ohtani expressed his shock and difficulty in describing his emotions regarding the scandal. Despite the situation, he remains cooperative in the investigations:
- He emphasized his lack of involvement in the scandal and his commitment to assisting in resolving the matter.
- Ohtani addressed reporters through a new interpreter and refrained from answering questions.
Ohtani’s journey with the Dodgers continues, with upcoming pre-season and campaign games scheduled. The impact of this scandal on his career remains to be seen.