Baseball star Ohtani 'shocked' by alleged theft
By Brandon Drenon and Madeline Halpert
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani says he is “beyond shocked” that his translator allegedly stole his money for illegal sports betting.
The Japanese baseball star’s long-time interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers last week after allegations of theft connected to illegal gambling.
Ohtani said he was “very saddened” that “someone who I trusted has done this”.
The two-time Major League Baseball MVP is not accused of any wrongdoing.
Ohtani’s legal representatives have accused Mr Mizuhara of “massive theft”. The Internal Revenue Service is conducting a criminal investigation, while the US baseball league is also carrying out a probe.
The baseball star read a prepared statement to reporters on Monday, as he attempted to clarify the controversy surrounding his translator and close companion.
Ohtani said he had never participated in sports betting and was not aware Mr Mizuhara was funnelling millions of dollars from the baseball player’s bank account to pay off the translator’s debts.
According to ESPN, at least $4.5m (£3.5m) was transferred from Ohtani’s bank account to a bookmaker.
