Dodgers fire Ohtani's interpreter over 'massive theft' allegations

Victor Petkov

Head of Content

Last Updated: Mar 21 | 4:05 AM

4 min read

Dodgers fire Ohtani’s interpreter over ‘massive theft’ allegations

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Ippei Mizuhara redirected player's money towards settling gambling debts

The Los Angeles Dodgers have parted ways with Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, amidst allegations of financial impropriety, with reports suggesting he embezzled funds from the player to settle gambling debts. Multiple news outlets have reported on the matter.

According to Ohtani’s legal representatives, Mizuhara allegedly used Ohtani’s funds to pay off debts owed to an illegal bookmaker, currently under federal scrutiny. ESPN disclosed that approximately $4.5 million was transferred from Ohtani’s account to a Southern California gambling operation.

“In the course of responding to recent media inquiries, we discovered that Shohei has been the victim of a massive theft, and we are turning the matter over to the authorities,” stated the law firm Berk Brettler LLP, as reported by the LA Times.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have fired Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani’s long-time interpreter.

The LA Times is reporting that Mizuhara stole millions of dollars from Ohtani to place bets with an illegal bookmaker in California.

Wild story. pic.twitter.com/6nee3kJvEh

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Mizuhara, a close friend of Ohtani who had accompanied the Dodgers to Seoul for their MLB season opener, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In an interview with ESPN, he initially claimed that Ohtani had agreed to settle his gambling debts. However, he later recanted, stating that Ohtani was unaware of the situation and had not authorized any transfers to the bookmaker’s associate.

Taking responsibility for his actions, Mizuhara admitted fault, expressing readiness to face the consequences. He disclosed to ESPN that his wagers primarily involved international soccer, the NBA, the NFL, and college football, explicitly denying any bets on baseball.

Confirming Mizuhara’s termination, the Dodgers informed Reuters on Wednesday that he had been relieved of his duties. “The Dodgers are aware of media reports and are gathering information,” a team spokesperson stated.

Mizuhara had been associated with Ohtani since the latter’s arrival in California in 2018, initially joining the Los Angeles Angels before transitioning to the Dodgers when Ohtani signed a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the team in the offseason.