Interpreter for Dodgers Superstar Ohtani Fired Amid Allegations of Massive Theft
LOS ANGELES — In a shocking turn of events, the longtime interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has been abruptly fired following accusations of “massive theft” with alleged ties to gambling, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Ohtani’s legal team has accused former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara of embezzling millions of dollars and placing illicit bets with a bookmaker currently under federal investigation, according to sources from the Los Angeles Times and ESPN.
“In the course of responding to recent media inquiries, we discovered that Shohei has been the victim of a massive theft and we are turning the matter over to the authorities,” stated Ohtani’s law firm, Berk Brettler LLP, in a statement to CNN.
The Dodgers have confirmed Mizuhara’s termination, with a team spokesperson stating, “The Dodgers can confirm that interpreter Ippei Mizuhara has been terminated.”
While the Dodgers are currently in the process of gathering more information, they have refrained from providing further comments on the matter at this time.
Mizuhara had been translating for Ohtani during the team’s recent victory over the San Diego Padres in the MLB season opener held in Seoul, South Korea.
During an interview with ESPN, Mizuhara vehemently denied any allegations of betting on Major League Baseball games and insisted that Ohtani had no involvement in the alleged misconduct.
“I want everyone to know Shohei had zero involvement in betting,” Mizuhara affirmed. “I want people to know I did not know this was illegal. I learned my lesson the hard way. I will never do sports betting ever again.”
CNN has reached out to Ohtani’s agent, Major League Baseball, the Dodgers, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for comments on the situation but has not received immediate responses. Attempts to contact Mizuhara for a statement are also currently pending.
Mizuhara and Ohtani had previously collaborated from 2013 to 2017 at Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball League team Nippon-Ham Fighters, where Mizuhara served as an interpreter for non-Japanese speaking players. Following Ohtani’s request for Mizuhara to join him in Los Angeles, Mizuhara continued as Ohtani’s interpreter during his rookie season with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018.
The 29-year-old Ohtani, a two-time American League MVP, recently inked a groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers during the past offseason. — CNN
