Ever since the gambling scandal surrounding his interpreter became public record, Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has maintained his innocence.
News broke late last month that Ohtani’s now-former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, allegedly stole millions from the two-way star to pay off a gambling debt.
This came immediately after Ohtani’s regular-season debut as a member of the Dodgers in South Korea. It also came after the reigning American League MVP signed a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the team this past winter.
Since then, inconsistencies in Ohtani’s story have led to further questions about just how much of a role he played in the scandal. Even with MLB investigating the situation on its own, we can now clear up one aspect of the scandal.
Related: 10 biggest gambling scandals in sports history
Feds clear Shohei Ohtani, to charge interpreter within the matter of days
TMZ Sports broke the news Wednesday night. It’s absolutely great news for Ohtani and the Dodgers.
“Our sources say the feds, who launched an investigation last month, have concluded Mizuhara was lying — that Ohtani was completely in the dark over the gambling debt, and Mizuhara embezzled from one of Ohtani’s accounts without the pitcher’s knowledge.”
Report on federal investigation into Shohei Ohtani
There was some thought that Ohtani, 29, could be charged under the guise of federal RICO laws. If he had knowledge of funds being transferred out of his account to pay off an illegal gambling debt, it would be against the law.
Apparently, the federal investigation found that he had no knowledge. Hence, why Mizuhara is now likely going to be charged for embezzling from the star.
There is even more good news on this front for Ohtani and his camp. The feds also pretty much set up a foundation for MLB to clear Ohtani as well.
“Our sources say the feds have concluded Ohtani was not involved in any wrongdoing and has never had any association with gambling or bookmaking,” TMZ Sports reports.
- Shohei Ohtani stats (2023): .333 average, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 1.012 OPS
Los Angeles inked Ohtani to a record-breaking contract for him to act as the face of the franchise moving forward. Their relationship did not get off to a great start.
But now, it appears that the two can turn the page. That sound you hear is a sigh of relief from the entire Los Angeles sports community.