Shohei Ohtani is due to address the media after his interpreter was fired after he allegedly stole $4.5m from the American League’s two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP).
The Los Angeles Dodgers star’s attorneys spoke to the LA Times, claiming interpreter Ippei Mizuhara had stolen the baseball player’s earnings to pay off an illegal bookmaker. According to Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts, Ohtani has not yet addressed the matter with the dressing room – stating that everything appeared to be “business as usual” with the Japanese international pitcher and designated hitter.
However, Ohtani is now set to speak on the matter with the press today. Roberts stated: “It’s the right thing to do, I’m happy he’s going to speak and speak to what he knows and give his thoughts on the whole situation. I think it will give us all a little bit more clarity.”
Allegations against Mizuhara initially surfaced last week, after which Major League Baseball (MLB) began a formal investigation into the matter. Although Ohtani has not yet confirmed where and when he will address the issue, his former translator and long-time friend has already spoken with ESPN, saying: “Obviously, this is all my fault, everything I’ve done. I’m ready to face all the consequences.”
Mizuhara initially claimed Ohtani knew about his gambling debts, before retracting this statement. He later confirmed that his bets had been placed on the NBA, NFL and international soccer – not on baseball.
In December, Ohtani signed for the Dodgers on a 10-year deal worth $700m. The team hasn't won a World Series since the 2020 season and suffered a brutal sweep to the Arizona Diamondbacks in last year's playoffs.
