Allegations Surface: Baseball Star Ohtani's Interpreter Linked to Illegal Sports Betting

As reported by the Los Angeles Times, allegations have emerged involving Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who is accused of involvement in illegal sports betting activities.

The accusations suggest Mizuhara may have misappropriated funds and placed bets with an illegal bookmaker under federal scrutiny.

The Los Angeles Times, in a recent expose, disclosed accusations from lawyers representing baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani, implicating his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, in what they describe as "massive theft" associated with illegal sports betting activities.

Sources close to the investigation revealed to the Times that federal agents, as part of an ongoing probe into illegal sports betting, executed a raid at Michael Bowyer's residence in Orange County, California, last year.

Ohtani's name surfaced during this operation, prompting further scrutiny into the matter.

Initial reports indicate that substantial sums, potentially amounting to "millions of dollars," were implicated in the illicit gambling affair.

ESPN reported a transfer of $4.5 million from Ohtani's account to that of an illicit bookmaker, initially purported to cover Mizuhara's gambling debts.

However, subsequent statements from Ohtani's spokesperson suggest Ohtani himself fell victim to what they term a "massive theft."

Bowyer's legal representation, responding to inquiries from the Times, asserted that their client, who remains uncharged, had no dealings with Ohtani.

Speculation suggests the ongoing investigation may be linked to a broader crackdown on an illegal bookmaking network centered in Orange County, with former minor league baseball player Wayne Nix also under scrutiny.

Amidst these revelations, questions remain regarding the extent of Mizuhara's involvement, including the sports wagering activities he allegedly engaged in, the amounts wagered, the frequency of bets, and timing.

Ohtani is currently in Korea, participating in a season-opening series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, who recently inked Ohtani to a record-breaking $700 million contract following his tenure with the Los Angeles Angels, terminated Mizuhara's employment, according to a spokesman quoted by the Times.

It's important to note that sports betting is illegal in California and is strictly prohibited by Major League Baseball regulations.

Such regulations forbid players, officials, and team affiliates from engaging in any form of baseball betting where gambling is legal or partaking in illegal sports betting activities.

As illegal sports betting begins to infiltrate professional sports, recent incidents provide a stark reminder of the consequences of such illicit activities.

Notably, the NFL and NHL have suspended players who are guilty of illegal wagering.

At the same time, a former Jacksonville Jaguars employee faced accusations of embezzling $22 million to fuel a gambling addiction in December 2023.