Shohei Ohtani Betting Scandal Update: Ex-Interpreter to Plead Guilty

It has been approximately two weeks since the sports world was shocked by news of one of the biggest sports stars in the world being caught up in a gambling scandal. The scandal took place in California, where sports betting is not legal, so our top sports betting sites were not implicated.

Progress in the Shohei Ohtani/Ippei Mizuhara saga has been a bit sluggish, but this week shed some light on the current state of affairs.

The ex-personal interpreter of baseball superstar Ippei Mizuhara is facing charges from U.S. federal prosecutors for allegedly stealing from three-time All-Star and current American League MVP Ohtani. The interpreter is accused of using the stolen funds to feed a gambling addiction and pay off debts to an illegal bookie in California.

It has now been revealed that Mizuhara plans to admit guilt to charges of bank fraud and illegal gambling.

Some background

A New York Times story recently exposed the illegal sports betting scandal involving Ohtani’s interpreter and close confidant during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ MLB season opening in Korea.

At the time, there were accusations that Ippei Mizuhara had taken up to $4.5 million to make illegal bets in the Golden State. It was unclear then whether Ohtani had any connections with Matt Bowyer, the illegal bookie implicated in the scandal.

As stated in the complaint, Mizuhara reportedly modified notifications and verification settings on the bank account of the Dodgers’ star player to make over 19,000 bets and accumulate approximately $40 million in gambling losses within a span of three years.

It is claimed that Mizuhara transferred over $16 million from Ohtani’s account to accounts linked to the former interpreter. The fraudulent activity began in 2021 and continued until last month.

Mizuhara linked his email and phone number to Ohtani’s account as part of the scheme.

Ohtani in the clear?

During a comprehensive press conference, Ohtani refuted any involvement, despite Mizuhara’s claim that Ohtani had agreed to settle his debts.

During a tense press conference, Ohtani clarified that he has never participated in sports betting or asked anyone to do so on his behalf. He also denied ever contacting a bookmaker. Ohtani expressed shock at the recent revelations and accused Ippei of stealing money from his account and spreading falsehoods.

The U.S. Department of Justice has nearly confirmed that Ohtani was not involved in the gambling operation and was actually deceived by his former friend, whose gambling addiction had escalated out of hand.

United States attorney Martin Estrada stated that Mr. Ohtani is regarded as a victim in this case.

League reaction

The Ohtani/Mizuhara situation is under investigation by MLB’s Department of Investigations, but it appears that Ohtani will be cleared, as he has been by federal officials.

As per a statement from MLB, they acknowledge the charges brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office against Mr. Mizuhara for bank fraud following a comprehensive federal investigation. The investigation has revealed that Shohei Ohtani was a victim of fraud, with no evidence suggesting he authorized any betting with an illegal bookmaker. Additionally, there is no indication of Mr. Mizuhara engaging in any baseball betting. After reviewing the information disclosed and other gathered data, MLB will hold off on any further investigation until the criminal case is resolved.

However, the situation has brought to the forefront the problematic connection between professional sports and problem gambling in a new light that is not desired.

This story is likely to gain traction and have far-reaching implications not just in the baseball community, but also in other major leagues worldwide.