As much as Major League Baseball would love to sweep it under the rug, the controversial scandal surrounding Shohei Ohtani and his (former) interpreter has only just begun.
Ohtani is set to speak to the media later today. Needless to say, there are a whole lot of questions that need to be answered.
But unfortunately (and unsurprisingly) he will not be taking questions…
Shohei Ohtani will not be taking questions from the media today, per @Alden_Gonzalez
He will read a statement at 2:45 pm PT. pic.twitter.com/eYLkE1Q9bh
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 25, 2024
What we do know is that Ohtani’s trusted interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, has been fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Live look at the Ohtani Press Conference: pic.twitter.com/jNGtgxtYYq
— @SFGiantsMemes (@SFGiantsMemer) March 25, 2024
At first there were reports that Ohtani paid $4.5 million to an illegal California bookmaker to cover Mizuhara’s gambling debts.
That story quickly changed to Ohtani not having any knowledge or involvement in the gambling payments – and that the money wired from his account to the bookmaker was basically stolen by Mizuhara.
If the MLB finds anything on the LA Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani concerning gambling — it could be the biggest news in MLB history. pic.twitter.com/chnwtGbt6n
— Players Wrld (@playerwrld) March 25, 2024
There is speculation that Ohtani might have been involved and that Mizuhara is acting as the fall guy.
Of course, that’s very much an unproven theory at this time. But either way, there are plenty of holes in the story and something isn’t adding up.
I’m wanting the results of a thorough investigation but I do smell a coverup coming
— David Waters (@NoTrollsever) March 25, 2024
Adding even more drama to the situation is the revelation that Mizuhara allegedly lied on his resume.
According to reports, Mizuhara had previously claimed to have attended the University of California, Riverside, in 2007.
However, university officials have refuted these claims, stating that there is no record of anyone by his name ever being enrolled at the institution.
“Our university records do not show a student by the name of Ippei Mizuhara having attended UC Riverside,” a spokesman for the university told The Athletic.
This was Michael Kay on the investigation taking place surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.
Is this “Massive Theft” storyline a cover up for Shohei Ohtani or is there a bigger story at play here?#MLB #Ohtani #GamblingX pic.twitter.com/bgCC6L3BRU
— THE PICK VAULT: SPORTS PICKS (@thepickvault) March 25, 2024
Amidst growing skepticism, speculation arose regarding Mizuhara’s alleged stint as an interpreter for the Boston Red Sox.
However, the Red Sox swiftly quashed these rumors in a statement released to the press.
“We are reaching out to all of you because of reports in various outlets stating that Ippei Mizuhara worked for the Red Sox as an interpreter, which is incorrect,” the Red Sox stated.
“Mizuhara was never employed by the Boston Red Sox in any capacity and was not an interpreter for Hideki Okajima during the pitcher’s time with the team. Please know that we have thoroughly checked our files to ensure we are providing accurate information.”
I need an Ohtani heel turn.
— Gus "Mister" Fishcake (@parttimesloth) March 25, 2024
This is just the latest wrinkle in what looks like a long line of wrinkles to come.
What are your thoughts on the situation?
Do you think Ohtani and his representatives were caught in a lie???
So we know…
– Ippei lied about graduating from UC Riverside
– Ippei lied about being an interpreter for the Red Sox
– Ippei went to casino dealing school, but quit
– Ippei admits he is a gambling addict
– The bookie’s attorney said her client never communicated with Ohtani🧐
— Travis #bad4baseball (@travisinLB) March 24, 2024
Perhaps Ohtani truly knew nothing about what was happening and is genuinely a victim of embezzlement.
However, if that was the case, it’s quite difficult to explain why Ohtani and Mizuhara were so chummy in the Dodgers dugout last week, when Ohtani was said to be fully aware of situation.
Ohtani's explenation is fishy. I'm a CPA and CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner). The thing that really seams fishy is that Ohtani claims he didn't know anything. If there were payments of $500k per month for a period of time, I doubt him or his accountant didn't notice that.
— Michael Cavanaugh (@TexasStoked) March 21, 2024
There are a million theories out there. Many feel that Ohtani had much more knowledge of the situation than he is letting on.
Maybe he did. Maybe he didn’t.
Hopefully the picture becomes much clearer soon…
I like the way his press conference tonight is him reading a statement and not answering questions. That’s exactly what an innocent person does, right? 😂
— Rxmeister55 (@rxmeister55) March 25, 2024