A scrapped ESPN story creates more questions amid theft allegations against Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter

A scrapped ESPN story creates more questions amid theft allegations against Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter

Shohei Ohtani’s longtime interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired on Wednesday after being accused of stealing “at least $4.5 million” from the Los Angeles Dodgers star. However, a now-scrapped ESPN story has created more questions than answers.

According to ESPN’s Tisha Thompson, Mizuhara explained in a lengthy interview that after he’d accumulated a hefty gambling debt, Ohtani made wire transfers to pay off a bookmaker, who is now under federal investigation. However, a spokesman denied the comments shortly before a statement from Ohtani’s lawyers emerged claiming he’d been the victim of “massive theft.”

“After Ohtani agreed to pay the debts, Mizuhara said on Tuesday, Ohtani logged onto his own computer and sent the wire transfers under Mizuhara’s supervision in installments over several months last year,” Thompson wrote.

On Wednesday, Mizuhara suddenly changed his story, telling ESPN that Ohtani hadn’t transferred money to pay off his gambling debts and that he had “no knowledge” of them.

ESPN would later verify two wire transfers of $500,000 each made by Ohtani. Both had “loan” as the description and were paid to bookmaker Mathew Bowyer, who is currently under federal investigation tied to an alleged illegal gambling operation.

Authorities raided Bowyer’s property in October, seizing cash, casino chips, banking documents, computers and other potential evidence. Meanwhile, the U.S. attorney’s office investigating the case is the same one that exposed an illegal sports betting ring involving former minor league baseball player Wayne Nix. Nix is facing up to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, which took in “millions of dollars” of bets through an off-shore website.

MLB reportedly wasn’t aware of the incident involving Ohtani and Mizuhara until Wednesday. However, several questions remain unanswered, including how he gained access to Ohtani’s funds and how the star didn’t realize two massive transfers.

Authorities have not contacted the league, Ohtani, or Mizuhara about the matter, per ESPN. Regardless, it’s a more than curious situation involving arguably the league’s biggest star, and you can believe this isn’t the last we’ll hear about it.

Related Posts

Katie Holmes’ daughter Suri Cruise, 18, flashes her tummy in a crop top while in New York City… as the teen prepares to graduate high school next month

Katie Holmes was seen with her mini-me daughter Suri Cruise on Thursday in New York City. The 18-year-old was flashing her tummy in a white crop top…

Suri Cruise, 18, hauls backpack during solo NYC stroll… as her rumored new moniker seems to be revealed in playbill for her high school musical

Suri Cruise, 18, hauls backpack during solo NYC stroll… as her rumored new moniker seems to be revealed in playbill for her high school musical Suri Cruise was…

Suri Cruise, 18, flexes her musical muscle as she carries guitar while out with a friend in New York

Suri Cruise, 18, flexes her musical muscle as she carries guitar while out with a friend in New York Suri Cruise has not only expressed interest in taking up…

Tom Cruise ‘Not Allowed’ to Have Relationship With Daughter Suri, Former Scientologist Claims

Tom Cruise ‘Not Allowed’ to Have Relationship With Daughter Suri, Former Scientologist Claims (Exclusive) Tom Cruise can’t have any sort of relationship with his youngest daughter, Suri, because of…

Happy Birthday, Tom Cruise: Relive Special Moments With His Daughter Suri On His 58th Birthday

Happy Birthday, Tom Cruise: Relive Special Moments With His Daughter Suri On His 58th Birthday Happy Birthday, Tom Cruise! The megastar turns 58 today, and to commemorate…

Tom Cruise’s three-word response to girlfriend Ana de Armas’ new John Wick film sparks buzz amid romance

Tom Cruise’s three-word response to girlfriend Ana de Armas’ new John Wick film sparks buzz amid romance Tom Cruise absolutely gushed over his girlfriend Ana de Armas’ new film…