Ohtani claims interpreter stole money from him

Los Angeles superstar Shohei Ohtani revealed today he never wagered on sports, and interpreter Ippei Mizuhara stole funds from him and spread lies.

The Dodgers player held a news conference at Dodger Stadium, 5 days after Ippei was dismissed by the team after his alleged ties to an illegal sportsbook and debts well over 1 million dollars were reported a few days ago.

“I’m very disturbed and disappointed that someone whom I trusted has done this,” the Japanese baseballer admitted, sitting next to Will Ireton, the Dodgers’ manager of performance operations, who translated.

Shohei spoke for almost 12 minutes, watching from a document that was on the table. Ohtani didn’t answer any questions.

“My former interpreter has been stealing money from my account and has been telling lies,” the Japanese claimed.

A 2-time MVP, Shohei left LA Angels at the end of the last year to ink a record 700 million, 10-year deal with the Dodgers.

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Ohtani added that he never wagered on sports and didn’t ask anyone to do it on his behalf or assist anyone in making bets.

"I never bet on baseball or any other sports, or never have asked somebody to do it on my behalf. I have never went through a bookmaker to bet on sports."

—Shohei Ohtani pic.twitter.com/cp6a2GJ5Hh

— ESPN (@espn) March 25, 2024