Interpreter for LA Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani dismissed over 'alleged massive theft' linked to gambling

The interpreter for Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani was let go on Wednesday after Ohtani's lawyers accused him of stealing a large amount of money allegedly linked to gambling. This news came just as Ohtani was preparing to make his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

According to reports from the Los Angeles Times and ESPN, Ohtani's lawyers claim that the interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, took millions of dollars and placed bets with a bookmaker who is currently under federal investigation. However, the lawyers have not provided specific details on how they believe the money was stolen.

New Los Angeles Dodger Shohei Ohtani (L) attends an introductory press conference with interpreter Ippei Mizuhara on Dec. 14, 2023, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. (Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)

New Los Angeles Dodger Shohei Ohtani (left) was present at a press conference on Dec. 14, 2023, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. He was accompanied by interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. The event marked his introduction to the team and the city.

Kyodo News/Getty Images

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Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter was dismissed due to allegations of ‘massive theft’. The controversy came to light while Ohtani made his debut with the Dodgers during their MLB season opener in Seoul, South Korea on Wednesday. The team clinched a 5-2 win against the San Diego Padres.

The Dodgers have confirmed Mizuhara's termination and mentioned that they are currently collecting information in response to media reports. The team stated that they have nothing more to add at this time.

As details emerged about Mizuhara's dismissal and the accusations against him, both the interpreter and Ohtani's representatives have changed their statements to ESPN reporters. Initially, they indicated that the player was aware of the translator's gambling debt, but later they claimed that Ohtani had no knowledge or involvement in the matter.

Here’s what we know.

$4.5 million transferred from Ohtani’s accounts, ESPN reports

According to ESPN's Tisha Thompson, who cited unnamed sources on CNN's "The Lead," at least $4.5 million was withdrawn from Ohtani's bank accounts through wire transfers. However, it remains unclear who initiated these transfers.

Thompson's sources also mentioned that Mizuhara's sports betting activities can be traced back to as early as 2021, during Ohtani's time with the Los Angeles Angels.

The Angels declined to provide any comments and redirected all inquiries to the Dodgers and Shohei's representatives.

Ohtani bid farewell to the Angels after his final game last year, then went on to secure a historic 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers.

According to the reporter, there was a significant change in the story before the news about Mizuhara's alleged actions came out. Thomson mentioned that the interpreter and Ohani's representatives completely changed their story, doing a complete turnaround in what they were telling her.

Ohtani's spokesperson initially informed ESPN that the player had sent money to assist in clearing Mizuhara's gambling debts.

Following this, Ohtani's representative coordinated an interview between Thompson and Mizuhara on Tuesday, as per ESPN. During the interview, the interpreter clarified that Ohtani had no part in Mizuhara's betting activities. It was revealed that Mizuhara had requested Ohtani to settle his gambling debt from the previous year. Despite being displeased with the situation, Ohtani agreed to pay off the debt.

After the interview, ESPN was getting ready to publish its story on Wednesday. However, Ohtani's spokesperson "disavowed" Mizuhara's account. Shortly after, a statement was released stating that Ohtani had been a victim of theft.

San Diego Padres' pitcher Yu Darvish pitches to Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani during the third inning of the 2024 MLB Seoul Series baseball game at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on March 20.

The 2024 MLB Seoul Series baseball game took place at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on March 20. San Diego Padres' pitcher Yu Darvish faced off against Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani during the third inning.

Image Source: Jung Yeon-je/AFP/Getty Images

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During recent media inquiries, it was revealed that Shohei was a victim of a large theft. His law firm, Berk Brettler LLP, is now handing the matter over to the authorities.

Mizuhara admitted to lying about Ohtani being aware of his debts. He recanted much of his original story, stating that Ohtani had no knowledge of the interpreter's debts and did not make any payments, as reported by ESPN.

CNN reached out to Ohtani's agent and the Dodgers for comments. As of Thursday morning, MLB had no comment on the issue. Additionally, CNN also reached out to Mizuhara for a comment.

The relationship between Ohtani and his translator has been longstanding.

At the Dodgers' game in Seoul on Wednesday, Mizuhara translated for Ohtani and was seen smiling in the team's dugout and chatting with the player.

The two have a longstanding professional relationship. They initially collaborated from 2013 to 2017 when Mizuhara was a translator for the Nippon-Ham Fighters, Ohtani's team in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball League, as reported by MLB.com.

When Ohtani joined the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, he invited Mizuhara to be his translator during his rookie season. Mizuhara later decided to join Ohtani and follow him to the Dodgers.

Following the Dodgers' game in Seoul on Wednesday, Mizuhara apologized to the team. An unnamed Dodgers official confirmed this information to ESPN.

“I’ve been told (Mizuhara) says something to the effect of ‘I’m sorry. I apologize. I have a gambling problem,’” Thompson said on ESPN.

Baseball’s infamous gambling history

In the 1919 World Series, the Chicago White Sox, who were expected to win, were surprised when they lost 5-3 to the Cincinnati Reds in a best-of-9 series. However, a year later, eight White Sox players were accused of working with gamblers to deliberately lose the Fall Classic.

Although they were found not guilty in a trial in 1921, they were all permanently banned from playing professional baseball by the commissioner at that time, Kenesaw Mountain Landis.

Pete Rose, the MLB's all-time hits leader, was banned for life from the sport in 1989 for betting on Cincinnati Reds games while serving as a player/manager for the team.

As a result of his ban, Rose is not eligible for induction into the baseball hall of fame. In his 2004 autobiography, he confessed to betting on baseball during his time as the Reds manager. Additionally, in a later interview with ESPN Radio, Rose admitted to betting on the Reds to win every night.

Americans set a new record in 2023 by betting $119.84 billion on sports, which was a 27.5% increase from the year before. This information was reported by the American Gaming Association’s Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker.

This report was contributed to by CNN's David Close and Jill Martin.

Editor's P/S:

This incident highlights the importance of trust and transparency in professional relationships. The allegations against Mizuhara raise concerns about the potential for financial exploitation and manipulation within the sports industry. It is crucial for athletes and their representatives to conduct thorough due diligence and have clear contractual agreements in place to protect their financial interests.

Furthermore, the article sheds light on the prevalence of gambling in professional sports. The high-profile case of Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter is a reminder of the potential consequences of gambling addiction and the need for education and support for those struggling with this issue. It is essential for sports organizations to implement responsible gambling policies and provide resources to players and staff who may be affected by gambling-related problems. have confidence in the fairness and legitimacy of sporting events, and any allegations of wrongdoing must be taken seriously and addressed promptly.