Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have fired Shohei Ohtani's interpreter and close friend after the player's attorneys alleged 'massive theft' from the Japanese baseball star in a case tied to sports gambling. The Dodgers said in a statement Wednesday that Ippei Mizuhara — who has been a constant presence at Ohtani's side since the two-way star's move to the U.S. — was no longer working with the team. 'The Dodgers are aware of media reports and are gathering information.
reported that the allegations centered on wire transfers from Ohtani's account worth at least $4.5 million, allegedly paid to a bookmaking operation in Southern California which is under federal investigation. NBC News has not independently confirmed those details. that he had incurred the debts betting on the NBA, the NFL, college football and international soccer but never on baseball, which is prohibited by MLB rules. “Obviously, he wasn’t happy about it and said he would help me out to make sure I never do this again,” Mizuhara said. “He decided to pay it off for me.' “I want everyone to know Shohei had zero involvement in betting. I want people to know I did not know this was illegal. I learned my lesson the hard way.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Shohei Ohtani's Dodgers debut feels like a breath of fresh air, for Shohei OhtaniOctober baseball once felt like a distant goal for Shohei Ohtani. Suddenly, after just one game with his new team, he had to sense how close it was.
Read more »
Dodgers fire Shohei Ohtani's interpreter amid allegation of 'massive theft'The Dodgers fired Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, amid allegations from Ohtani's lawyers that Mizuhara engaged in 'massive theft.'
Read more »
Dodgers fire Shohei Ohtani's interpreter amid allegation of 'massive theft'The interpreter for the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani was fired Wednesday after questions surrounding at least $4.5 million in wire transfers sent from Ohtani's bank account to a bookmaking operation set off a series of events.
Read more »
Shohei Ohtani's interpreter fired by Dodgers after allegations of illegal gambling, theftInterpreter Ippei Mizuhara was let go from the team Wednesday following reports from The Los Angeles Times and ESPN about his alleged ties to an illegal bookmaker.
Read more »
Shohei Ohtani's interpreter fired by Dodgers after allegations of 'massive theft' from Japanese starShohei Ohtani’s interpreter and close friend has been fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers following allegations of illegal gambling and theft from the Japanese baseball star.
Read more »
Shohei Ohtani's interpreter fired by LA Dodgers amid allegation of 'massive theft'The Los Angeles Dodgers interpreter for Shohei Ohtani was fired Wednesday afternoon after questions surrounding at least $4.5 million in wire transfers sent from Ohtani's bank account to a bookmaking operation set off a series of events.
Read more »