Shohei Ohtani made his first public remarks on Monday since former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara was fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers amid alleged theft and illegal gambling activity.
Mizuhara’s purported betting was made public after the Dodgers’ Opening Day win in the Seoul Series last week. He was quickly fired and the saga has taken on many twists since then.
While addressing reporters at Dodger Stadium on Monday, Ohtani read a prepared statement that was then translated into English by Will Ireton, who has taken on duties as interpreter for the two-way star.
“First of all, thank you very much for coming,” Ohtani said through Ireton. “It’s been a tough week for fans and team officials, and I’m very grateful that the media has been patient in this process. On a personal note, I’m very saddened and shocked that someone who I trusted has done this.
“I never bet on baseball or any other sports, or never asked somebody to do that on my behalf. And I have never gone through a bookmaker to bet on sports. … Up until a couple days ago, I didn’t know this was happening.
“In conclusion, Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has told lies.”
Ohtani added he did not learn of Mizuhara’s gambling debt until they had a conversation at the team hotel, and he never autoroized payments to Bowyer.
Ohtani’s representatives previously claimed he did not become aware of stolen money until after Mizuhara addressed the Dodgers clubhouse at Gocheok Sky Dome. They’ve submitted a purported theft case to authorities, but did not reveal which law enforcement agency that was nor publicly name Mizuhara as the perpetrator.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) did confirm they have launched an investigation into Mizuhara. Meanwhile, MLB is conducting their own investigation into the situation as well.
Dave Roberts proud of Shohei Ohtani
Plans for Ohtani to speak were revealed before Sunday’s Freeway Series game, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commended him for taking that initiative.
“I think it’s good. I think it’s the right thing to do,” Roberts said. “I’m happy he’s going to speak to what he knows and give his thoughts on the whole situation.
“I think it will give us all a little bit more clarity.”
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