The Los Angeles Dodgers have terminated the contract of Shohei Ohtani's interpreter and close friend following allegations of illegal gambling and theft. The interpreter, 39-year-old Ippei Mizuhara, was let go from the team after reports surfaced about his alleged ties to an illegal bookmaker. Mizuhara, who has been a constant companion to Ohtani since his arrival in the U.S. in 2017, was seen regularly chatting with Ohtani in the dugout during games.
The team confirmed Mizuhara's termination but declined to provide further comments at this time. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated that there were no plans to have Ohtani sit out games due to the situation.
Mizuhara, who previously worked as an interpreter for the Boston Red Sox and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, admitted to placing bets on international soccer, the NBA, the NFL, and college football. MLB rules prohibit players and team employees from wagering on baseball and other sports with illegal bookmakers.
Ohtani, a two-way player for the Dodgers, recently made his debut with the team as a designated hitter. Despite undergoing elbow surgery last year, Ohtani is expected to contribute offensively this season. The news of his recent marriage to Mamiko Tanaka has garnered attention worldwide.
The MLB gambling policy strictly prohibits betting on baseball and other sports with illegal bookmakers. Violations of this policy can result in severe penalties, including bans from the sport. The Dodgers are currently in Seoul, South Korea, for a series of games.
