Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed his hopes for a swift resolution to the gambling investigation involving Los Angeles Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani. The investigation was initiated after the Dodgers terminated the contract of Ohtani's interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara, amid reports linking him to an illegal bookmaker and substantial debts exceeding $1 million.
Ohtani has denied any involvement in sports betting or the settlement of Mizuhara's gambling debts. Manfred emphasized the importance of verifying Ohtani's statements to uphold the game's integrity.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has confirmed that Mizuhara and the alleged bookmaker, Mathew Bowyer, are under criminal investigation. Manfred acknowledged the challenges of collaborating with federal authorities due to their independent inquiry.
Despite MLB's limited authority compared to law enforcement agencies, Manfred expressed confidence in conducting thorough investigations to uncover the truth.
Regarding the duration of the probe, Manfred admitted uncertainty, stating his desire for a brief investigation but acknowledging the unpredictability of the process.
MLB's Stance on Gambling and Revenue Concerns
Manfred defended MLB's commercial relationships with legal gambling entities, citing the inevitability of sports betting in the U.S. He emphasized the responsibility of players to abstain from gambling activities that could influence game outcomes.
Manfred also addressed revenue uncertainties stemming from regional sports networks, particularly following the bankruptcy of Diamond Sports' Bally networks. MLB has assumed control of local broadcasts for certain teams, anticipating a rebound in revenue over time.
Local media revenue contributes significantly to MLB's income, with Manfred acknowledging the impact of market fluctuations on player contracts. He highlighted the need for players to comprehend the market dynamics influenced by local media challenges.
Upcoming Tribute to Baseball Legend Willie Mays
MLB is preparing for a special event honoring baseball icon Willie Mays, who will turn 93 in May. Mays is expected to attend a game between the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, the oldest professional ballpark in the U.S. Mays, a native of Alabama, began his illustrious career with the Birmingham Black Barons in 1948.
