The Los Angeles Dodgers terminated their interpreter for Shohei Ohtani on Wednesday afternoon following inquiries into wire transfers totaling at least $4.5 million from Ohtani’s bank account to a bookmaking operation, triggering a chain of events.
Ippei Mizuhara, a close friend and interpreter for Ohtani, amassed gambling debts to a Southern California bookmaking operation currently under federal scrutiny, as confirmed by multiple sources. The sequence leading to his dismissal commenced with reporters probing into the wire transfers.
Initially, Ohtani’s spokesperson informed ESPN that the funds were transferred to cover Mizuhara’s gambling debt. However, as ESPN prepared to publish the story, the spokesperson retracted Mizuhara’s account, stating that Ohtani had been a victim of significant theft, prompting Ohtani’s lawyers to issue a statement.
“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,” read the statement from Berk Brettler LLP.
Further inquiries were met with silence from Ohtani’s spokesperson, and the statement did not identify the alleged thief.
When questioned by ESPN on Wednesday afternoon, Mizuhara declined to comment on accusations of theft but refrained from revealing who instructed him not to comment.
These developments unfolded amid federal investigations into the operations of Southern California bookmaker Mathew Bowyer. According to multiple sources and bank data reviewed by ESPN, wire transfers were made from Ohtani’s account to an associate of Bowyer’s. Despite Mizuhara’s claims, sources asserted that Ohtani does not engage in gambling and that the funds were intended to cover Mizuhara’s losses.
ESPN’s investigation revealed bank records indicating two $500,000 payments under Ohtani’s name in September and October.
Although sports betting is legal in nearly 40 states, it remains illegal in California. Legal sportsbooks require upfront payment for wagers, contrasting with illegal bookmakers who extend credit.
Sources familiar with the operation disclosed that Bowyer directly engaged with Mizuhara, who placed bets on international soccer and other sports but not baseball, beginning in 2021. Although Bowyer was aware of the name on the wire transfers, he reportedly refrained from inquiring further as long as payments were made, fostering the perception that Ohtani was a client to enhance business.
Bowyer’s attorney, Diane Bass, stated, “Mr. Bowyer never met or spoke with Shohei Ohtani,” declining further comment.
During a Tuesday interview facilitated by Ohtani’s spokesperson, Mizuhara outlined his interactions with Bowyer, disclosing that he had requested Ohtani to settle his gambling debt, which had soared to at least $4.5 million. Mizuhara had previously wagered via DraftKings and assumed bets with Bowyer were legal.
However, on Wednesday afternoon, Mizuhara retracted his earlier statements, asserting that Ohtani was unaware of his gambling debts or repayment efforts.
Mizuhara and Ohtani share a personal and professional bond. Mizuhara has served as Ohtani’s interpreter since the star’s move to the United States in 2018, accompanying him in various settings. Despite their relationship, Mizuhara’s contract with the Los Angeles Angels, where Ohtani previously played, was not renewed, leading him to join the Dodgers this offseason.
Mizuhara, who admitted to annual earnings between $300,000 and $500,000, clarified that his bets predominantly focused on international soccer, the NBA, the NFL, and college football.
While MLB personnel can bet on sports other than baseball, doing so with illegal bookmakers or offshore websites violates league regulations. Punishment for such infractions lies at the discretion of the commissioner.
The MLB became aware of Ohtani’s wire transfers in January through federal investigations into Bowyer’s operations. ESPN reviewed wire-transfer data, indicating transactions labeled with “Shohei Otani” alongside bank and wire-transfer details, with the term “loan” appended. “Otani” refers to the Japanese player’s legal name.
Officials from the U.S. attorney’s office in the Central District of California declined to comment, as did an attorney representing Bowyer’s associate.
Bowyer potentially faces felony charges, with federal agents raiding his residence in October, seizing various assets, including cash, banking documents, and electronic devices.
Mizuhara revealed his introduction to Bowyer at a poker game in 2021, commencing his betting activities later that year. Mizuhara’s losses purportedly exceeded $1 million by the end of 2022, prompting his request for Ohtani’s intervention.
Following Ohtani’s agreement to settle the debts, Mizuhara asserted that Ohtani initiated wire transfers under his supervision, labelling them as loans.
Regarding the manner of repayment, Mizuhara stated that Ohtani’s reluctance stemmed from a lack of trust, prompting him to opt for direct payments to Bowyer’s associate.
However, Mizuhara retracted his earlier claims on Wednesday afternoon, asserting that Ohtani had no knowledge of his gambling activities or repayment efforts.
Despite these developments, Mizuhara emphasized his abstention from betting on baseball.
As the Dodgers commenced their season-opening series in South Korea, Mizuhara’s presence in the dugout drew attention. He reportedly addressed the clubhouse post-game, attributing the situation to his gambling addiction.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts refrained from commenting on the matter but confirmed Ohtani’s readiness for the game. Performance operations manager Will Ireton assumed interpreting duties for Ohtani temporarily.
Ohtani’s record-breaking contract with the Dodgers in December solidified his status as the highest-paid player in North American sports history, with the bulk of the compensation deferred to future years.
Federal investigations into Bowyer’s operations coincide with a broader crackdown on illegal gambling activities. Notably, former MLB player Yasiel Puig faces charges related to his involvement with illegal bookmakers, underscoring the pervasive nature of such activities within professional sports.
