Shohei Ohtani finally addressed the gambling scandal related to his former interpreter, dismissing any claims of involvement in sports bets.
The 29-year-old spoke out on Monday after Ippei Mizuhara was terminated for allegedly using Ohtani’s funds for illicit gambling activities.
#Dodgers Shohei Ohtani: “I’m very saddened and shocked that someone who I trusted has done this.” pic.twitter.com/pVAZcLFQ3l
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) March 25, 2024
@juanctoribio
Ohtani revealed through his new translator, Will Ireton, that he only learned about the situation after a team meeting following the Dodgers’ recent game in Korea.
He accused Ippei of embezzling money from his account to settle debts and deceiving him and others about his involvement.
“I’m deeply disappointed and shocked by the actions of someone I trusted,” Ohtani expressed.
Ohtani clarified that he never authorized any payments to cover debts or gambling expenses.
Earlier in March, Mizuhara was fired by the Dodgers after allegations of misusing Ohtani’s finances and engaging in gambling activities surfaced.
Initially, Mizuhara claimed that Ohtani had provided him with the funds to pay off a gambling debt in an interview with ESPN but later retracted his statement.
Nonetheless, Mizuhara expressed remorse and insisted that Ohtani had no involvement in the gambling affair.
“Shohei had no part in the bets. I was unaware of the illegality, and I have learned my lesson,” Mizuhara stated, renouncing any involvement in future sports betting.
Mizuhara began working with Ohtani after the latter’s move to the Angels post his successful career in Japan and joined the Dodgers after Ohtani sealed a lucrative deal with LA this season.
## FAQ
1. **What is the scandal involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara?**
Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was accused of misusing Ohtani’s funds for illegal sports betting, which Ohtani vehemently denies any involvement in.
2. **What was Ippei Mizuhara’s response to the allegations?**
Ippei Mizuhara initially stated that Ohtani provided him with funds to settle gambling debts but later retracted his statement, admitting his wrongdoing and asserting Ohtani’s innocence.
3. **How did Shohei Ohtani react to the situation involving Ippei Mizuhara?**
Shohei Ohtani expressed disappointment and shock at the actions of someone he trusted, emphasizing his lack of consent for any payments towards gambling activities.
## Conclusion
In the wake of the controversy surrounding allegations of financial misconduct and illegal gambling, Shohei Ohtani has firmly denied any involvement in sports betting activities. Despite the tumultuous situation with his former interpreter, Ohtani stands by his assertion of innocence and vows to address the issue transparently. The unfolding events serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that can arise in professional sports environments.