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.
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Dodgers fire Shohei Ohtani interpreter amid theft, sports gambling allegationsPatrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.
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