“They probably offer protection,” Joe Rogan speculates Shohei Ohtani’s connection with Yakuza as $4.5 million betting case attains peak controversy in baseball world

Shohei Ohtani’s gambling case takes an interesting turn with new speculations popping off; the latest being by UFC commentator Joe Rogan.

Joe Rogan and Shohei Ohtani [Image Credit: Imago]

Popular UFC host Joe Rogan recently commented on Shohei Ohtani’s gambling case as the baseball world looks forward to further clarification regarding it. Looking back at the Japanese pitcher’s background, Rogan predicted how he could’ve been under the “protection” of Yakuza, so no “people f**k with you.”

Rogan talked about how big names with huge contracts are sometimes linked with mob groups who offer them protection in exchange for a certain amount of money. Considering how the Los Angeles Dodgers signed a $700 million deal with Ohtani, Rogan believes it’s fairly possible.

To further prove his point, he gives an example of the late star Frank Sinatra who was allegedly reported to have ties with some major organized mafia group. During his latest episode of Joe Rogan experience, he talked about Ohtani,

I think they (organized crime companies) have strategies to maximize their income in all sorts of ways and they probably offer protection so you know you don’t have to worry about people f**k with you.

Joe Rogan on latest YouTube video.

While several conclusions have been drawn on Shohei Ohtani and his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara’s betting case, there has been no solid evidence. The baseball world has been divided as many suspect Ohtani knew about Mizuhara’s gambling habit, while others believe the Dodgers star. The investigation is going on, and further info is expected to be revealed in the future.

Shohei Ohtani firmly denies involvement in Ippei Mizuhara’s gambling case

Shohei Ohtani boldly claimed that he didn’t know his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara “has been stealing money from my account”. He even stated that Mizuhara has been telling lies, not only to him, but also to the organization members, staff, and others. The incident came to light during the team’s visit to Korea for the Spring series game.

Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara [Image Credit: Imago]
Among some who questioned Ohtani’s involvement, former MLB star A.J. Pierzynski was one of the most vocal ones. He was baffled to learn how the star pitcher did not know $4.5 million went missing from his accounts.

He does take it into fact that Ohtani may not directly be involved in the management of his account, but Pierzynski asked why even his accountant did not inform him about his missing cash. On the other hand, his former LA Angels teammates supported him, admitting they could not believe the news first.

The police launched an investigation soon but have yet to share their findings with the league. The MLB has also taken this incident into serious consideration and has stepped forward to find evidence to clarify the case. So far, the pitcher recorded 2 home runs as a Dodgers and is focusing on the regular season games.