Major League Baseball said Friday it has begun formally investigating the scandal involving Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.
“Major League Baseball has been gathering information since we learned about the allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhari from the news media,” MLB said in a statement Friday. “Earlier today, our Department of Investigations (DOI) began their formal process investigating the matter.”
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani reacts during the first inning of the 2024 MLB Seoul Series baseball game between Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres in Seoul, March 20, 2024.
Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images
Mizuhara was fired Wednesday by the Los Angeles Dodgers — the team with which Japanese pitcher Ohtani signed a record $700 million contract this offseason — according to a brief statement from the team. He had worked with the Dodgers as Ohtani’s interpreter after serving in the same capacity with the Los Angeles Angels.
The termination came after allegations of a “massive theft” tied to gambling debts to a Southern California bookmaking operation that is under federal investigation, multiple sources told ESPN.
“The Dodgers are aware of media reports and are gathering information,” the Dodgers said in a statement. “The team can confirm that interpreter Ippei Mizuhara has been terminated. The team has no further comment at this time.”
Berk Brettler LLP, a law firm that represents Ohtani, said in a statement Wednesday, “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.”
The statement did not specify who stole the funds from Ohtani and the Dodgers did not give an official reason for the firing.
However, according to ESPN, Mizuhara lost his job when reporters began asking questions surrounding at least $4.5 million in wire transfers from Ohtani’s bank account to an illegal bookmaking operation.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani talks with translator Ippei Mizuhara in the dugout against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training baseball game in Phoenix, AZ, Mar. 12, 2024.
Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports via Reuters
In an ESPN interview scheduled through Ohtani’s spokesperson Tuesday night, Mizuhara initially said Ohtani had agreed to pay off his interpreter and friend’s gambling debts. But a day later, the spokesperson disavowed Mizuhara’s claim and issued the statement claiming Ohtani had been the victim of “massive theft.”
Mizuhara said Ohtani was never aware of his gambling and was not involved.
“I want everyone to know Shohei had zero involvement in betting,” he told ESPN. “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.”
Major League Baseball (MLB) has recently announced that they are launching an investigation into allegations regarding Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter. Ohtani, a Japanese baseball player who currently plays for the Los Angeles Angels, has been making headlines for his impressive performance both as a pitcher and a hitter. However, recent reports have raised concerns about the treatment of his interpreter, who is responsible for facilitating communication between Ohtani and the team.
The allegations suggest that Ohtani’s interpreter may not be receiving fair compensation for their work, and that they may be facing unfair working conditions. This has sparked outrage among fans and advocates for fair labor practices in the sports industry.
MLB has stated that they take these allegations very seriously and are committed to ensuring that all individuals involved in the league are treated fairly and with respect. The investigation will aim to uncover the truth behind the allegations and determine if any action needs to be taken to rectify the situation.
Interpreters play a crucial role in helping international players navigate the challenges of playing in a foreign country. They not only assist with language barriers, but also help players adjust to cultural differences and provide support in various aspects of their lives. It is essential that these individuals are treated fairly and given the respect they deserve for their hard work and dedication.
This investigation serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding fair labor practices in all industries, including professional sports. It is crucial that all individuals involved in MLB, whether players, coaches, or support staff, are treated with dignity and respect.
As fans, it is important to support efforts to ensure that everyone in the baseball community is treated fairly and given the opportunity to thrive in their roles. By holding organizations accountable for their treatment of employees, we can help create a more equitable and inclusive environment for all individuals involved in the sport.
In conclusion, MLB’s investigation into allegations regarding Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter is a step in the right direction towards promoting fair labor practices in professional sports. It is important that we continue to advocate for the rights of all individuals involved in the industry and work towards creating a more just and equitable environment for everyone.
