Ohtani claims interpreter stole money, denies knowledge of gambling debts

In his first public appearance since the gambling scandal broke last week, Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani stated that he was the victim of theft by his former interpreter and that he had never bet on baseball or knowingly paid a bookmaker.

Ohtani's statement was the Japanese ballplayer's first since the allegations of "massive theft" against Ippei Mizuhara surfaced, which resulted in the team firing the interpreter.

"I am very saddened and shocked that someone who I trusted has done this," Ohtani told reporters at a press conference at Dodger Stadium about Mizuhara.

"I do want to make it clear that I never bet on sports or have willfully sent money to the bookmaker," he added later in the press conference.

Ohtani claimed he was unaware Mizuhara had gambling debts and had been repeatedly misled by the interpreter who has been by his side since he joined Major League Baseball in 2018.

"Obviously I never agreed to pay off the debt or make payments to the bookmaker," he said.

Ohtani claimed Mizuhara admitted to him in Seoul last week that he had made the payments using Ohtani's account.

"At that moment, it was an absurd thing that was happening and I contacted my reps," Ohtani said.

Ohtani also stated that he was assisting with all investigations into the matter.

His attorneys told the Los Angeles Times last week that Mizuhara used the ballplayer's money to pay off an alleged illegal bookmaker who is currently under federal investigation.

ESPN reported that at least $4.5 million was transferred from Ohtani's account to a gambling operation in Southern California.

Questions about Ohtani's involvement in the scandal prompted him to address reporters on Monday, where he spoke through a new interpreter and declined to take questions.

"To summarize how I'm feeling right now - I'm beyond shocked, it's really hard to verbalize how I'm feeling at this point," Ohtani said.

Ohtani joined the Dodgers in December after signing a $700 million, 10-year contract, capping off a high-profile pursuit of one of the most sought-after MLB free agents in recent years.

The Dodgers will play a preseason game later on Monday. The team's home opener for the 2024 season is on Thursday.

SportsLigue