Shohei Ohtani’s Interpreter Ippei Mizuhara Fired Amid Theft Accusations

The Los Angeles Dodgers have fired Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani‘s interpreter, amid a “massive theft” scandal. Mizuhara, whom ESPN reports is a “longtime friend” of Ohtani, was embroiled in scandal when reporters started asking questions about $4.5 million worth of wire transfers from Ohtani’s account to a bookmaking organization. The bookmaker is under federal investigation.

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Shohei Ohtani Details Are Still Unfolding

Mizuhara’s exact transgressions — and Ohtani’s involvement or lack thereof — are still somewhat murky. On Tuesday, Mizuhara claimed Ohtani had agreed to cover his gambling debts to the illegal oddsmakers. He changed his tune the following day, saying Ohtani had no knowledge of the gambling debts.

Later, the plot thickened when the Berk Brettler LLP law firm issued a statement saying:

“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.”

Yesterday, Mizuhara was fired from the Dodgers organization. The team issued the following statement:

“The Dodgers are aware of media reports and are gathering information. The team can confirm that interpreter Ippei Mizuhara has been terminated. The team has no further comment at this time.”

Based on current reports, Ohtani is not under investigation or facing any disciplinary action from the MLB. Ohtani’s contract stipulates that the Dodgers must provide an interpreter for him, so they are likely to hire a replacement as soon as today.

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