Shohei Ohtani’s historic 2024 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers got off to a rough start as he was at the center of a gambling scandal involving longtime interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.
MLB and federal investigations cleared Ohtani of any wrongdoing, but Mizuhara finds himself in legal trouble. It was revealed that Mizuhara stole nearly $17 million from the two-way star in order to pay off gambling debts incurred while participating in illegal sports betting with a Southern California bookmaker.
Mizuhara pled guilty to bank and tax fraud in early June and faces a maximum of 33 years in federal prison between the two charges, along with hefty fines. He could potentially be deported after completing his sentence as well.
Mizuhara’s sentencing hearing was originally scheduled for Oct. 25, but prosecutors agreed to delay it to Dec. 20, via legal journalist Meghann Cuniff:
Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter apparently has realized that October is not an ideal month to be sentenced for stealing from the greatest @MLB player ever.
Ippei Mizuhara wants his hearing delayed to December 20, and prosecutors are OK with it. pic.twitter.com/CZEVUHm89j
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) September 23, 2024
Mizuhara and his counsel requested the delay so Mizuhara can be evaluated by a forensic psychiatrist “with respect to gambling and to prepare a report for the Court’s review prior to sentencing.”
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 Dodgers fired Mizuhara during the Seoul Series as reports surfaced of his involvement in the gambling scandal.
Had Mizuhara’s original sentencing date been kept, it coincided with the date of Game 1 of the World Series.
Shohei Ohtani ‘lost sleep’ over Ippei Mizuhara gambling scandal
Ohtani admitted that he lost sleep over the incident, which initially prevented him from keeping a consistent routine. However, the 29-year-old’s condition improved as the investigations involving Mizuhara came to a close.
Ohtani has clearly turned the page as he recently became the first MLB player to join the 50-50 club and is now set to participate in the postseason for the first time in his career.
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