Allegations of 'Massive Theft' Lead to Shohei Ohtani's Interpreter Dismissal
Following accusations of 'massive theft' linked to gambling, Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani parts ways with his longtime interpreter. Learn more from reports by the Los Angeles Times and ESPN.
The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani's longtime interpreter has been fired. Ohtani's legal team accused the former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, of stealing millions of dollars and placing bets with a bookmaker under federal investigation.
The Los Angeles Times first reported the details.
Ohtani's law firm, Berk Brettler LLP, told CNN that they discovered Shohei has been the victim of a large theft while responding to media inquiries. They are now handing the matter over to the authorities.
Mizuhara helped translate for Ohtani during the team's victory against the San Diego Padres in the MLB season opener in Seoul, South Korea.
CNN reached out to Ohtani's agent, Major League Baseball, the Dodgers, and the Orange County Sheriff's Office for comment, but has not received a response yet. CNN has also reached out to Mizuhara for comment.
Mizuhara and Ohtani were colleagues at Japan's Nippon-Ham Fighters from 2013 to 2017. Mizuhara served as an interpreter for players who did not speak Japanese. After Ohtani invited Mizuhara to join him in Los Angeles, she became his interpreter during his rookie season with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018.
The 29-year-old two-time American League MVP recently signed a groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers.
This story is developing and will be updated.
CNN’s David Close contributed to this report.
Editor's P/S:
The allegations against Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, are deeply concerning. It is alleged that Mizuhara stole millions of dollars from Ohtani and engaged in illegal betting. These accusations cast a shadow over the reputation of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Major League Baseball. It is crucial that the authorities thoroughly investigate these allegations and hold those responsible accountable.
The fact that Ohtani's legal team discovered the alleged theft while responding to media inquiries raises questions about the transparency and accountability within the Dodgers organization. It is imperative that teams prioritize the well-being and financial security of their players. The alleged theft highlights the need for robust financial controls and oversight to prevent such incidents from occurring. The Dodgers and Major League Baseball must take swift action to address these concerns and restore trust in the sport.
