On Monday, Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ star, made it clear that he has never engaged in sports betting or intentionally settled any gambling debts for his long-standing interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. Contrary to what was believed, Ohtani disclosed that his trusted friend had been deceitful over the years, misappropriating millions from the two-time MVP.
During a press conference held at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani shared his side of the story, just five days after the Dodgers dismissed Mizuhara. This action followed reports by the Los Angeles Times and ESPN, which highlighted Mizuhara’s alleged connections with an illegal bookmaker and his debts exceeding $1 million. “I am deeply saddened and shocked by the betrayal of someone I trusted,” Ohtani expressed, with Will Ireton, the team’s manager of performance operations, translating his words.
“Ippei has been siphoning money from my account and fabricating stories,” Ohtani revealed. He firmly stated, “I have never placed bets on sports nor have I ever knowingly sent money to a bookmaker.”
Addressing a room filled with reporters, Ohtani, donned in a Dodgers cap and sweatshirt, elaborated on the various ways Mizuhara had deceived him, without taking any questions. Despite the lack of specifics on how Mizuhara might have accessed his funds to cover gambling debts, Ohtani stressed his complete non-involvement in gambling activities.
“I have never wagered on baseball or any other sport, nor have I ever instructed anyone to do so on my behalf. I have never dealt with a bookmaker to place bets on sports, nor have I ever facilitated payments for others’ bets,” Ohtani clarified.
Ohtani, who transitioned from the Los Angeles Angels to the Dodgers in December with a record $700 million, 10-year contract, mentioned that he and Mizuhara had been inseparable since 2018 until the recent revelations. The IRS has confirmed that Mizuhara, along with Mathew Bowyer, the supposed illegal bookmaker, are under criminal investigation by the agency’s Los Angeles Field Office.
Mizuhara initially claimed to ESPN on March 19 that Ohtani had settled his gambling debts upon his request, involving bets on various sports. However, he retracted his statement the next day, asserting Ohtani was unaware of the debts and had not made any payments to bookmakers.
“This has all been a complete fabrication,” Ohtani stated, highlighting that Mizuhara had failed to inform him about the media inquiries, thus misleading both the media and the team about their communication.
Ohtani recounted learning about Mizuhara’s gambling issues and debts during a team meeting following their season-opening win in Seoul, South Korea. He was taken aback by the revelation, especially since Mizuhara conveyed the information in English, making it challenging for Ohtani to grasp everything being said.
“Before the meeting, Ippei suggested we have a one-on-one discussion in the hotel,” Ohtani recalled. “It was only then that I discovered his gambling addiction and significant debt.” Ohtani emphasized that he had never consented to cover Mizuhara’s debts or make payments to the bookmaker.
Speaking before the Dodgers’ second exhibition game against the Angels, Ohtani, who was part of the lineup as the designated hitter, shared his astonishment and difficulty in articulating his feelings. “As the season commences, I will leave the matter in the hands of my lawyers and fully cooperate with ongoing investigations,” Ohtani concluded, still reeling from the shock of the betrayal.