Multiple MLB Interpreters Back Up Possible Shohei Ohtani Explanation

Shohei Ohtani on Monday gave a 12-minute statement explaining his side of the story of the alleged payments sent from his accounts to an allegedly illegal bookmaker. 

READ: Shohei Ohtani Plans To Speak With Media On Monday To Address Ex-Interpreter's Gambling Allegations

For some fans and media members, his explanation was enough to settle any remaining doubts: Ohtani is the victim here. His statement generally matched the media reports last week; that his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, had lied to him and paid his $4.5 million in gambling debts with Ohtani's money, without his knowledge.

But for others, it wasn't enough to clear Ohtani's name regarding betting or absolve him of guilt in knowingly paying off Mizuhara's debts. And while it's understandable for fans and the public to doubt the story for any number of reasons, particularly Mizuhara's access to his financial accounts, several interpreters have now stepped forward confirming that Ohtani's version of events is entirely possible.

READ: Doesn't Add Up: Shohei Ohtani's Statement Still Doesn't Answer This Question

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 14: Shohei Ohtani, left, walks in with his translator Ippei Mizuhara before the Los Angeles Dodgers introduce Ohtani as the newest member of the team during a press conference at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Interpreters Say Shohei Ohtani's Story Is Believable

Daniel Kim previously worked as an interpreter for two teams, including the New York Mets, and was heavily featured on ESPN's coverage of the KBO during COVID lockdowns, as well as their Seoul Series coverage when the Ohtani story broke. He posted on X late Monday evening that he specifically helped his players with financial matters, including "opening bank accounts."

"When I worked as an interpreter, I had to assist the players on just about every aspect of their daily lives," Kim posted. "These include: opening bank accounts, taking them to DMV to get licenses, and setting up utilities. I also carried their check books on the road for clubhouse dues."

He also pointedly posted that the only surprising aspect of the story was that an interpreter was able to call for a team meeting, not that an interpreter would be able to access accounts or siphon off money from a player.

"As a former #MLB interpreter for 2 different teams," Kim said, "the most shocking part of Ippei situation is that he was able to call for a team meeting. Interpreter calls for team meeting???"

But Kim wasn't the only interpreter to back up Ohtani's version as eminently believable. 

Another former interpreter for two MLB teams, Katsunori Kojima, said that it was "quite plausible" that Mizuhara could have been able to access Ohtani's account, because he himself had handled money related matters for players he worked with.

Specifically, he mentioned "banking, credit card applications, taxes and car payments for Japanese players who had American bank accounts," according to the video. And as Jeffrey Hall points out, he didn't have the lengthy, close friendship that Ippei Mizuhara had with Shohei Ohtani.

While fans might find that unrealistic, he explained that players may have several accounts, while giving the interpreter access to one of them.

These points are also applicable considering how extremely wealthy people outsource virtually every detail of their lives to others. Including financial matters. Something that would seem to be unrealistic and bizarre, unless you've worked around extremely rich individuals.

READ: Is The Shohei Ohtani Gambling Story Believable? An Insider Perspective

Are There Holes In Ohtani's Story?

Another criticism of Ohtani's explanation that fans have expressed is questioning why his story seemingly changed from one day to the next. Except Ohtani's story never actually changed.

What he said in his statement is that he had no knowledge of media inquiries into the payments or gambling debt, because the questions went to Ippei, and not to him directly. The only version that's come directly from Ohtani is that he had no idea about the gambling debts and has never authorized payments to a bookie. The first story came from Mizuhara, not Ohtani. ESPN did report that a spokesman had supposedly quoted Ohtani, but it's possible that spokesman never actually communicated directly with Ohtani, especially considering the timeline.

The media mostly reported their story on the first day of the season, when Ohtani would have been preparing for the game. Given how controlled access to Ohtani was during even the most open of times, it's very reasonable to believe that he wasn't ever in communication with the spokesman. It'd also explain why Ohtani and Mizuhara were seemingly friendly in the dugout during the game.

Beyond that though, it's very possible, according to previous experiences and the interpreters themselves, that Mizuhara used Ohtani's account to pay for the gambling debts. And that for someone who's been making an estimated $50 million per year in endorsements, not to mention his $42.3 million in career earnings from the Angels, that he didn't notice $500k in transactions spread out over multiple months. 

Not that it will matter to those who want to believe his guilt, but it's quite possible that Ohtani was taken advantage of by a close friend and associate. After all, it's happened before.