Shohei Ohtani addresses allegations against former interpreter
Los Angeles Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani, (pictured on right), broke his silence regarding the accusations against his former interpreter. Ohtani has delivered a personal account to the media stating that it was only during a recent baseball series in South Korea that he became aware of the alleged embezzlement. Ohtani accused Ippei Mizuhara his previous interpreter from Japan, of the alleged financial misconduct.
Following allegations by Ohtani’s legal team of substantial financial theft and illicit gambling activities, Mizuhara was terminated from his position. The claims, which involve millions of dollars and a bookmaker currently under federal scrutiny, were initially brought to light by reports from ESPN and the Los Angeles Times.
“Ippei told to the media and to the representatives that I, on behalf of a friend, paid off debt,” upon further questioning, it was revealed that it was actually in fact Ippei who … “was in debt and told my representatives that I was paying off those debts.” Ohtani said through an interpreter.
Shohei Ohtani said that he learned of Ippei Mizuhara’s gambling during a team meeting. Mizuhara admitted to using Ohtani’s account for betting. Mizuhara spoke English at the meeting, causing Ohtani to suspect something was wrong. After the meeting, Mizuhara revealed his gambling addiction and debt to Ohtani in private. Until this time Ohtani said he was unaware of Mizuhara’s financial troubles.
Ohtani refutes allegations
Ohtani expressed shock and sadness over the betrayal of trust by someone he relied on. The incident has brought attention to the issue of gambling in sports.
Ohtani reported that Mizuhara conveyed to journalists and his agents that Ohtani had settled a debt “on behalf of a friend.” Upon further inquiry, it was revealed, according to Ohtani, that “Mizuhara himself was the one in debt and had informed my agents that I was the one clearing his debts,” which he denounced as a “total fabrication.”
Shohei Ohtani addressed the media with a firm denial of any involvement in sports betting. “I never bet on baseball or any other sports, or … asked somebody to do it on my behalf,” he declared. He further clarified that he had not engaged any bookmaker for such activities.
Expressing his emotional turmoil, Ohtani shared that the betrayal by someone he trusted left him “very sad and shocked.” Finding the right words to convey his feelings was a struggle for him, as he admitted, “It is really hard for me to verbalize how I’m feeling at this point.” Despite the personal setback, Ohtani is entrusting the matter to his legal team and shifting his focus to the upcoming baseball season.
