The Dodgers on Wednesday fired the translator for Shohei Ohtani, who was accused of committing “grand theft” against the Dodgers superstar in connection with an illegal bookbinding business.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Ippei Mizuhara, who has been Ohtani's interpreter and close aide since Ohtani arrived in the majors in 2018, has been responsible for making Ohtani's “millions of dollars'' to place bets with bookmakers that are considered illegal. He was accused of using funds from the US dollar. Currently under investigation by the federal government.
Otani's name came up in Matthew Bowyer's investigation, prompting Otani's lawyer to file charges against Mizuhara, the Times reported.
In a statement to the newspaper, law firm Burke Buttler said: “In the course of responding to recent media interviews, we learned that Shohei was the victim of a grand theft and have decided to refer this matter to the authorities. I did,” he said.
Times sources said Mizuhara lied when asked by the Dodgers about the Times' investigation into the matter after making the bet with Bowyer. Mizuhara served as an interpreter for Ohtani in Seoul during the Dodgers' opening series, but the Times reported that Mizuhara was fired by the team.
MLB officials said the league was not aware of the situation until contacted by the media and has not been contacted by federal prosecutors.
The Dodgers released the following statement:
“The Dodgers are aware of the media reports and are gathering information. The team has confirmed the dismissal of interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. The team has no further comment at this time.”
Bowyer's attorney, Diane Bass, told the Times that her client has not been charged with a crime, but the newspaper reported that his home was searched by federal agents last year as part of an investigation. Bass also told the Times that Bowyer had no contact with Ohtani.
“Matthew Bowyer has never met, spoken to, texted, or had any contact with Shohei Ohtani,” Bass said.
“I want everyone to know that Shohei was never involved in gambling,” he said. “I want people to know that I had no idea this was illegal. I learned my lesson the hard way. I will never do sports betting again.”
Mizuhara also said, “I've never bet on baseball. That's 100 percent. I knew the rules…We'll have a meeting about it in spring training.''
Major League Baseball Rule 21(d)(3) states, “Any player, umpire, club or league official or employee who places a bet with an illegal bookmaker, or with an agent of an illegal bookmaker, A penalty shall be imposed.” judged to be appropriate in light of the facts and circumstances of the act. ”
In 2015, Marlins pitcher Jared Cossart was fined by MLB for violating Rule 21(d)(3) but was not suspended, but the league said Cossert did not bet on baseball. Because I made a decision.