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Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > Dodgers News: Shohei Ohtani Lost Sleep Over Ippei Mizuhara Gambling Scandal
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers News: Shohei Ohtani Lost Sleep Over Ippei Mizuhara Gambling Scandal

Matt Borelli
May 27, 2024
3 Min Read
Shohei Ohtani
Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports
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The start of Shohei Ohtani’s first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers was marred because of a gambling scandal involving his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from the two-way star to pay off gambling debts.

Mizuhara agreed to plead guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of subscribing to a false tax return. Between the two charges, he faces a maximum of 33 years in federal prison.

Mizuhara had served as Ohtani’s interpreter since the two-time American League MVP Award winner made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018. The two were good friends, which made the developments all the more shocking.

Ohtani admitted that he lost sleep over the incident, which prevented him from keeping a consistent routine, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:

“Initially I really didn’t have much sleep, obviously with the things that were happening,” Ohtani said through his current interpreter, Will Ireton. “But now I’ve been able to really have a pretty consistent routine, being able to sleep well. I think those are leading to good results.”

Ohtani said his situation improved as the investigations involving Mizuhara came to a close:

“I think really as the incidents progressed and I was able to do what I can to show that – basically doing what I can to show that I’m fine,” Ohtani said. “As the incidents were progressing and the investigation was going on, as I was starting to not be involved anymore, that’s when I was able to really focus on my sleep and being able to sleep better.”

Even with the gambling scandal hovering over him, Ohtani maintained elite production at the plate. He has continued putting up big numbers in the weeks since and even improved with runners in scoring position.

Shohei Ohtani enjoyed ‘special weekend’

May was a memorable month for Ohtani, who had his bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium before being honored at Los Angeles City Hall on May 17 in what will now be known as “Shohei Ohtani Day” for the duration of his Dodgers career.

Ohtani reflected on the week it all happened and said he enjoyed every part of it.

Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!

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TAGGED:Los Angeles DodgersShohei Ohtani
ByMatt Borelli
Matt Borelli covers the Los Angeles Dodgers as a staff writer for Dodger Blue and holds similar responsibilities for Lakers Nation, a sister site with an emphasis on the Los Angeles Lakers. He also contributes to RamsNewswire.com and RaidersNewswire.com. An avid fantasy sports player, Matt is a former 2014 MLB Beat the Streak co-champion. His favorite Dodgers moment, among a list of many, is Clayton Kershaw's no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies in 2014. Follow him on Twitter: @mcborelli.
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