Sad News:Dodgers fire Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter after Japanese star claims’massive theft’.

Dodgers fire Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter after Japanese star claims’massive theft’ 

 

 

 

The Los Angeles Dodgers have dismissed Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter and confidant following allegations of

“significant theft” from the Japanese baseball sensation in connection with sports betting. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Dodgers announced that

Ippei Mizuhara, who has been accompanying Ohtani since his transition to the United States, is no longer associated with the team.

“The Dodgers are currently investigating media reports and gathering information. The team can confirm the termination of interpreter Ippei

Mizuhara. At this time, the team has no further comments,” the statement read, following reports from The Los Angeles Times and ESPN.

Berk Brettler LLP, the law firm representing Ohtani, released a statement saying, “In response to recent

media inquiries, we have uncovered that Shohei has been the victim of significant theft, and we are referring the matter to the authorities.”

According to ESPN, citing multiple anonymous sources, Mizuhara’s dismissal came after media inquiries

regarding his alleged involvement in illegal gambling. The allegations reportedly revolve around wire transfers

totaling at least $4.5 million from Ohtani’s account to a bookmaking operation in Southern California, which is currently under federal investigation.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have dismissed Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter and close confidant following allegations of

“massive theft” made by the Japanese baseball star’s attorneys in connection with sports gambling.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Dodgers confirmed the termination of Ippei Mizuhara, who has been a constant

presence alongside Ohtani since the latter’s transition to the United States.

“The Dodgers are aware of media reports and are currently gathering information. The team can confirm the termination of interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. The team has

no further comment at this time,” the statement read, in response to reports from The Los Angeles Times and ESPN.

Attorneys representing Ohtani, from the law firm Berk Brettler LLP, released a

statement stating, “In response to recent media inquiries, we have uncovered that

Shohei has been the victim of significant theft, and we are referring the matter to the authorities.”

According to ESPN, Mizuhara’s dismissal came after media inquiries regarding his alleged involvement in illegal gambling.

The allegations reportedly revolve around wire transfers totaling at least $4.5 million from Ohtani’s account to a

bookmaking operation in Southern California, currently under federal investigation.

The details of the case have not been independently confirmed by NBC News.

Initially, a spokesman for Ohtani indicated that the player had knowingly transferred the funds to cover Mizuhara’s gambling debts, which he

incurred from betting on various sports, including the NBA, NFL, college football, and international soccer. However, as ESPN prepared to publish its story, the

spokesman disavowed Mizuhara’s account, stating that Ohtani had no knowledge of the gambling debts.

Mizuhara has been associated with Ohtani since his major league debut in 2018 and worked as his personal interpreter during his time with the Los

Angeles Angels. He previously worked with the Boston Red Sox as an interpreter before meeting Ohtani in Japan in 2013.

Ohtani, a prominent figure in Major League Baseball’s efforts to expand its reach in Asia, has been at the center of

attention during the Dodgers’ season-opening series in Seoul, South Korea, despite the historical rivalry between South Korea and Japan.

Law enforcement officials probed a bomb threat directed at the Gocheok Sky

Dome in Seoul, where the Los Angeles Dodgers were facing off against the San Diego Padres.

Ohtani skyrocketed to global sports stardom following his signing with the

Dodgers in December on a record-breaking 10-year contract worth $700 million, making it the largest deal in

baseball history. Recently, he made headlines with the announcement of his unexpected marriage and subsequently

revealed the identity of his new wife on social media in response to significant interest from fans and the media.

On the field, Ohtani’s two hits contributed to the Dodgers’ 5-2 victory over the Padres in Wednesday’s season opener in Seoul, marking his debut for the team.

During a news conference on Thursday ahead of the second Dodgers vs. Padres

game, Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts declined to comment on the case but assured that Ohtani would play as usual.

“Shohei’s ready,” he stated. “Ready to go for tonight’s game.”

Sports gambling has gained significant traction in the U.S., with 38 states and the District of Columbia now permitting some form of it. Major sports leagues,

from the NFL to the MLB, have increasingly embraced its potential for revenue. However, it remains illegal in

California, and strict penalties are imposed on players who breach league policies on gambling.

The MLB’s policy is prominently displayed in every locker room,

prohibiting all players and team personnel from engaging in any form of wagering on baseball, even if legal.

Additionally, it forbids betting on other sports through illegal or offshore bookmakers.

Violating the policy by betting on baseball results in a one-year suspension from the sport, while the penalty for

wagering on other sports illegally is determined at the discretion of the commissioner.

 

 

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