Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani speaks out about ex-interpreter Ippei Mizuhara's 'lies' amid gambling scandal

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Major League Baseball rising star Shohei Ohtani addressed the media over the ongoing alleged theft and betting scandal involving his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara on Monday, March 25. 

Clearing his stance on the issue, the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar said, "I wanted to be here to be able to talk. I'm sure it was a tough week for fans and the organization. On a personal note, I'm very saddened and shocked that someone I trusted has done this." 

"Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has told lies," added Ohtani in Japanese with the aid of a different translator.

The 29-year-old asserted he’s not into betting of any kind, noting, "I never bet on baseball or any other sports. I have never asked anybody to do that on my behalf. I have never gone through a bookmaker to bet on sports. Up until a couple of days ago, I didn't know this was happening." 

Ippei Mizuhara claimed Shohei Ohtani had voluntarily paid off his gambling debt

Mizuhara was fired for allegedly placing illegal bets on non-baseball sports and Ohtani’s bank account was found to have been used for paying an illegal bookmaker millions of dollars.

Earlier, the interpreter told ESPN that Ohtani had voluntarily paid off his gambling debt, which was estimated to be around $4.5 million. 

As per MLB's policy, an individual can gamble on non-diamond sports, such as baseball and softball, provided that such activity is legal in that jurisdiction.

However, sports betting remains illegal in California, and therefore, a federal investigation is underway, as reported by CBS Sports.

The accused bookmaker, Mathew Bowyer’s lawyer has said he never had any interaction with Ohtani.

Internet reacts to comments made by Shohei Ohtani amid betting controversy involving Ippei Mizuhara

One wrote, "Great! His innocent, let’s go win some games and make the haters, hate us more! Let’s go Dodgers!!!!"

Another remarked, "What Ippei did is unforgivable, and he will likely have to spend a lifetime making amends. On the other hand, I deeply understand the pain of those suffering from gambling addiction since I experienced the same thing."

They added, "He has already faced sufficient social penalties, and we, as third parties, should not blame him further. Continuing to do so could lead him to choose an even more tragic end. Also, after this press conference, please refrain from asking Player Ohtani about this matter, and let him focus on baseball."

A person quipped, "Shades of 'Lost In Translation.' Soundyed to me like Shohei safid a lot more than the Interpreter translated."

Someone else opined, "Good enough, anyone else (Dodger fans or haters ) that needs more explaining 👀 wait for the feds to finish the investigation or the MLBs investigation 😎 Play ball!!" 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.