Shohei Ohtani to address theft allegations against interpreter on Monday

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani will speak to the media on Monday for the first time since his interpreter was fired by the MLB team over allegations that he stole from the player to pay off gambling debts, the team's manager said on Sunday.

"It's the right thing to do," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters. "I'm happy he's going to speak and speak to what he knows and give his thoughts on the whole situation. I think it will give us all a little bit more clarity."

Roberts said Ohtani had not discussed the situation with his Dodgers teammates as a group, but he had checked in with the 29-year-old and everything appeared to be "business as usual."

When asked when and where Ohtani, a two-time American League Most Valuable Player, would speak to the media, the Dodgers did not respond right away.

Since the allegations against interpreter Ippei Mizuhara emerged last week during the Dodgers' season-opening series in Seoul, South Korea, Major League Baseball (MLB) has launched a formal investigation into the matter.

According to a Los Angeles Times report last week, Ohtani's attorneys told the newspaper that Mizuhara used the baseball player's funds to pay off an alleged illegal bookmaker, who is reportedly under federal investigation.

Ohtani's lawyers did not immediately return a request for comment.

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.

SportsLigue