Just under one week removed from the Los Angeles Dodgers firing Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani made his first public comments about his former interpreter amid alleged theft and illegal gambling activity.
The two-way superstar read a prepared statement that was translated into English by Will Ireton in which Ohtani vehemently denied ever placing a bet and accused Mizuhara of theft. Mizuhara reportedly stole $4.5 million from Ohtani to pay off a bookmaker.
Since the scandal came to light, MLB and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have launched separate investigations into Mizuhara. Ohtani stated that while he is now focused on the 2024 season, he will continue to assist with the investigations.
“In conclusion, I do want to make it clear I have never bet on sports or willfully sent money to the bookmaker,” Ohtani began. “To summarize how I’m feeling right now, I’m beyond shocked. It’s really hard to verbalize how I am feeling at this point.
“The season is going to start, so I’m going to obviously let my lawyers handle matters from here on out and I am completely assisting in all investigations that are taking place right now.
“I’m looking forward to focusing on the season. I’m glad we had this opportunity to talk and I’m sure there will be continuing investigations moving forward. Thank you very much.”
Joe Kelly and Kiké Hernández were among the players who attended Ohtani’s press conference as a show of support. Max Muncy also stated that the Dodgers completely stand behind Ohtani as he navigates this difficult situation.
“For me, where I come from, you’re innocent until proven guilty,” Muncy said. “The guy has told us face-to-face what he believes is the truth, and that’s what I’m going off of. I believe him 100%. I have his back on that.”
Max Muncy: Shohei Ohtani scandal will bring Dodgers closer
Muncy added that the scandal involving Ohtani will only bring the Dodgers together. “There’s always things that can bring a team together. You never know what it’s going to be,” Muncy said.
“You obviously don’t hope for things like this to happen and it’s yet to be seen how we come out of this, but I feel good about the group in here.
“We all feel good about the group we have in here, and I think it’s good for him to see exactly what kind of group we are. Hopefully, that will help him through this.”
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