The longtime interpreter for MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani was charged with bank fraud on Thursday, as federal prosecutors allege Ippei Mizuhara with stealing more than $16M from the Japanese icon.

MLB star Shohei Ohtani's longtime interpreter was charged Thursday with bank fraud, as federal prosecutors accuse Ippei Mizuhara with stealing more than $16M from the Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player.

MLB star Shohei Ohtani's longtime interpreter Thursday was charged with bank fraud, as federal prosecutors accuse Ippei Mizuhara with stealing more than $16M from the Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player.

In a 37-page complaint filed in a California federal court, prosecutors claim Mizuhara between Nov. 2021 and Jan. 2024 transferred millions from Ohtani’s bank account to pay operators of an illegal sports book.

Documentcloud

The 37-page complaint filed in a California federal court claims that Mizuhara between Nov. 2021 and Jan. 2024 transferred millions from Ohtani’s bank account to pay operators of an illegal sports book.

Mathew Bowyer and his associate are the reported bookmakers. Mizuhara allegedly developed a severe gambling addiction, with the Southern California bookies continually extending his credit. In total, Mizuhara won $142M but lost $183M, accruing $40.7M in losses.

ESPN.com

Mathew Bowyer and his associate are the reported bookmakers, and Mizuhara developed a severe gambling addiction that led the Southern California bookies to keep extending his credit. In total, Mizuhara won $142M but lost an astounding $183M, accruing $40.7M in losses.

Mizuhara had worked with Ohtani as his interpreter and de facto manager since he entered MLB in 2018 with the Los Angeles Angels. He was fired by the Dodgers after this story made headlines March 20.

CBS News

Mizuhara worked with Ohtani as his interpreter and de facto manager since he entered MLB in 2018 with the Los Angeles Angels, and he was fired by Ohtani’s new team, the Dodgers, after a gambling scandal involving Ohtani made headlines on March 20 of this year.

In just 26 months, Mizuhara, who could be facing 30 years in prison, placed a total of 19K bets. He admitted to “technically” stealing from Ohtani in his text messages with Bowyer. The complaint details Mizuhara’s extensive efforts to pose as Ohtani and hide the ongoing proceedings from his boss.

The Ringer

In just 26 months, Mizuhara placed a total of 19K bets, and he admitted to “technically” stealing from Ohtani in his text messages with Bowyer. The complaint details Mizuhara’s extensive efforts to pose as Ohtani and hide the ongoing proceedings from his boss.

Ohtani denied any knowledge of the situation, and prosecutor Martin Estrada says that MLB MVP has “cooperated fully and completely” in the investigation. Mizuhara could face up to 30 years in prison for bank fraud, and MLB is conducting its own investigation into the gambling saga.

Ohtani denied any knowledge of the situation, and prosecutor Martin Estrada said last season's American League MVP has “cooperated fully and completely” in the investigation. MLB is conducting its own investigation.

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CBS News #10455

The Ringer #

NBC #2235

When news broke of a gambling scandal involving Shohei Ohtani, the public was quick to crucify baseball’s brightest star without having any knowledge of the situation. Just weeks later, it appears that Ohtani is actually the victim of a massive financial scandal at the hands of his closest business confidant. Thursday’s court filing shows the extreme depths of Mizuhara’s gambling addiction and the lengths he went to hide it from his friend and boss. Ohtani should be rightfully exonerated by both MLB and the

The Athletic

The Athletic #

For Shohei Ohtani, exoneration seemingly is at hand

For a sport that has kept its all-time hits leader out of the Hall of Fame for gambling, MLB seems to be turning a blind eye to Ohtani’s potential involvement in his interpreter’s gambling scandal. Ohtani may be very rich, but it’s hard to believe that he wouldn’t notice $16M disappearing from his bank account over nearly three years. Even if Mizuhara is the main culprit, it’s highly likely that Ohtani had some knowledge or involvement in his gambling. Ohtani is MLB’s best player and a global icon, especial

Jaymariotti

Jaymariotti #

WITH NO SHAME, BASEBALL TRIES TO CLEAR OHTANI — DON’T LET IT HAPPEN

Meg Oliphant/Stringer/Getty Images Sport via Getty Images North America

Shohei Ohtani's Interpreter Charged With Stealing $16M From MLB Star

Japan

Sports

Fraud and swindling

United States of America

When this story broke, the public was quick to crucify baseball’s brightest star without any knowledge of the situation. Weeks later, it appears Ohtani is actually the victim in this situation. Thursday’s court filing shows the extreme depths of Mizuhara’s betrayal of his friend and boss. Ohtani should be rightfully exonerated in both MLB and the court of public opinion.

Baseball has always been sensitive to matters involving gambling, so it shouldn't turn a blind eye to Ohtani’s potential involvement in this scandal. Baseball must probe how Ohtani didn't notice the money missing and whether he knew more about his friend's gambling issues. Ohtani's celebrity shouldn't protect him from crucial scrutiny.

Interpreter Charged With Stealing $16M From Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani's Interpreter Charged With Stealing $16M From MLB StarOhtani

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Interpreter Charged With Stealing $16M From Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani's Interpreter Charged With Stealing $16M From MLB StarOhtani

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