Ohtani’s Ex-Interpreter Involved in Federal Crimes
A former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara, is reportedly negotiating a guilty plea in connection with federal crimes linked to allegations of embezzling millions from Ohtani for gambling purposes.
New Revelations in Ohtani-Mizuhara Saga
Mizuhara, who was fired after being accused of stealing from Ohtani and gambling with a bookmaker under federal scrutiny, might have taken more money than initially reported. Investigators believe Mizuhara tampered with Ohtani’s bank account settings to conceal transactions.
Ongoing Investigations and Denials
Ohtani has vehemently denied any involvement in the scandal. The case has prompted scrutiny on professional sports’ ties to gambling, with both the IRS and Major League Baseball looking into the matter, including potential breaches of MLB’s strict anti-gambling regulations.
The Unfolding Scandal
The saga began with allegations of wire transfers from Ohtani’s account, leading to shifting explanations from Mizuhara, who initially claimed Ohtani was aware of his gambling debts. However, Ohtani later clarified that he had been a victim of theft.
New Details on Mizuhara’s Dealings
Further revelations point to Mizuhara’s association with a bookmaker, Mathew Bowyer, who maintained no direct contact with Ohtani but conducted business with Mizuhara. Investigations are underway to unravel the extent of Mizuhara’s actions and potential legal ramifications.
Updates and Contributors
This evolving story, involving prominent figures in baseball and federal investigations, continues to unravel as more details emerge. CNN’s team has been at the forefront of reporting on this unfolding scandal.