Dodgers Interpreter Fired Over Gambling Scandal
McCreary County Record- The Los Angeles Dodgers’ interpreter for star player Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara, has been fired amidst a shocking gambling scandal. It was revealed that at least $4.5 million in wire transfers were sent from Ohtani’s bank account to a bookmaking operation, leading to Mizuhara’s dismissal.
The scandal unfolded when Mizuhara was found to have incurred gambling debts to a Southern California bookmaker, Mathew Bowyer, who is currently under federal investigation. Mizuhara admitted to placing bets on international soccer, the NBA, the NFL, and college football, but insisted that he never bet on baseball. He estimated his losses to be over $4.5 million.
Initially, Ohtani’s spokesman claimed that the slugger had transferred funds to cover Mizuhara’s debts. However, Ohtani’s lawyers later released a statement stating that Ohtani had been the victim of theft, and had no knowledge of Mizuhara’s gambling activities.
Major League Baseball is now investigating the situation, as league rules strictly prohibit players and employees from betting with illegal bookmakers or offshore websites. The investigation into Bowyer’s operation is linked to a federal money laundering and illegal gambling case in Las Vegas, involving former minor league baseball player Wayne Nix and others connected to illegal bookmaking activities.
Mizuhara met Bowyer in 2021 at a poker game, which led to significant losses after he started betting on credit. Despite the wire transfers from Ohtani’s account to Bowyer’s operation, Mizuhara claimed that Ohtani was not involved in the gambling activities.
This scandal comes on the heels of Ohtani signing a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, with most of the money deferred to be paid out between 2034 and 2043. Several individuals, including former MLB players and casino executives, have been implicated in illegal gambling activities and charged with various offenses related to illegal bookmaking.
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