The Los Angeles Dodgers have severed ties with Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter and close confidant, Ippei Mizuhara, following allegations of involvement in illegal gambling activities and theft from the Japanese baseball sensation.
Mizuhara, 39, was dismissed from his role with the team on Wednesday, following reports from the Los Angeles Times and ESPN detailing his purported connections to an illicit bookmaker. The development comes at a crucial juncture as Ohtani debuts with the Dodgers in Seoul, South Korea, this week.
In a statement issued by law firm Berk Brettler LLP, it was revealed that Ohtani had fallen victim to significant theft, prompting the involvement of law enforcement authorities.
While sports betting is prohibited in California, Mizuhara’s association with Ohtani spans several years, with the interpreter serving as a constant presence by Ohtani’s side since his arrival in the U.S. in 2017. Mizuhara’s responsibilities extended to interpreting for Ohtani during media engagements and other public appearances, including his participation as Ohtani’s catcher during the 2021 All-Star Game Home Run Derby.
Following Ohtani’s transition to the Dodgers via a monumental $700 million, 10-year contract in December, Mizuhara was retained by the club.
In response to inquiries regarding Mizuhara’s alleged misconduct, the Dodgers acknowledged media reports and confirmed his termination. However, the team refrained from providing further commentary at this time.
Mizuhara’s admissions to ESPN regarding his gambling activities raised concerns, particularly as Major League Baseball (MLB) regulations expressly prohibit players and team personnel from engaging in betting activities, regardless of legality, on baseball or other sports through illegal or offshore bookmakers.
Mizuhara’s situation underscores a significant gambling scandal within baseball, reminiscent of Pete Rose’s lifetime ban in 1989 for betting on games involving the Cincinnati Reds, the team he played for and managed.
Amidst Ohtani’s global stardom and recent marriage to Mamiko Tanaka, news of Mizuhara’s involvement in illegal gambling has rattled fans across Japan and the U.S. Despite undergoing elbow surgery last September, sidelining him from pitching this season, Ohtani’s prowess as a designated hitter remains undiminished, as evidenced by his performance in the Dodgers’ season opener against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea.
