The Puck Drop has learned that Shohei Ohtani’s longtime interpreter and close friend, Ippei Mizuhara, has been fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers amid allegations of illegal gambling and theft. Mizuhara, who has been by Ohtani’s side since the player came to the U.S. in 2017, was let go from the team after reports surfaced of his ties to an illegal bookmaker and debts exceeding $1 million.
The Dodgers have indicated that they are handing the matter over to authorities after discovering that Ohtani was the victim of a significant theft. It is worth noting that sports gambling is illegal in California, where the team is based. Mizuhara, a well-known figure among baseball fans, has confirmed his termination but declined to comment further on the situation.
This news comes in the wake of a reported bomb threat against Ohtani, which authorities later deemed false. Mizuhara, who was born in Japan but moved to the Los Angeles area in 1991, has worked as an interpreter for various baseball teams. He admitted to betting on international soccer, NBA, NFL, and college football but denied placing any wagers on baseball.
The MLB strictly prohibits players and team employees from gambling on baseball, and Mizuhara claimed that Ohtani had covered his gambling debts at his request. Ohtani’s popularity has skyrocketed worldwide, with recent reports of his marriage to Mamiko Tanaka. Despite the controversy surrounding Mizuhara, the focus remains on Ohtani’s incredible talent on the field as he continues to dazzle baseball fans across the globe.
