MLB Finally Announces Shohei Ohtani Investigation Because Interpreter's Story Isn't Adding Up | Mike Gunzelman

Major League Baseball has officially launched an investigation into Shohei Ohtani's alleged connection to his personal interpreter and close confidant Ippei Mizuhara's involvement in an illegal sports gambling ring.

The move comes after what has been an absolutely crazy week that included Mizuhara changing his story, an accusation that more than $4.5 million was stolen from Ohtani and the IRS and other investigative agencies getting involved.

Let me lay out a few questions that need answered, and things that just flat out make no sense, in the initial stages of this absolute headache for MLB:

SOMETHING DOESN'T MAKE SENSE

One of the biggest questions we need answered is why ESPN and multiple media outlets knew about Mizuhara's involvement with the illegal bookie, yet Ohtani and his team claim they were clueless as to what was going on. Then, when they found out what Ippei claimed, they then said they were extorted. Why didn't they go after Mizuhara when it initially happened?

Also, at the very least, we know that Ohtani's camp had information from ESPN before Ohtani was seen laughing with Mizuhara this past Tuesday in the dugout during the Dodgers game in South Korea. Ohtani's handlers gave Mizuhara permission to speak with ESPN - why would they not tell Ohtani any of this or that his best friend stole millions of dollars from him? 

WHY DID IPPEI CHANGE HIS STORY?

What Major League Baseball has to do is find out what happened during that short time period when Mizuhara changed his entire story. First he said that Ohtani directly transferred the money and then he said Ohtani had no knowledge.

How did Mizuhara get access to Ohtani's account to wire the money - something that usually has to go through a process that includes multiple approvals? How did Ohtani's business manager or anyone else on his team not notice the money missing?

WERE THERE BETS ON BASEBALL?

During the initial ESPN interview, Mizuhara said that he has been gambling on sports since 2021, but he never bet on baseball. The bookie said the same thing. Pardon me, but we need to find out if that's true from people who aren't facing major federal charges. 

This might be the one question MLB does not want to find out the answer and the way they proceed will show just how seriously they are taking the investigation.

MLB's rules ban anyone who has bet on baseball, like Pete Rose. In contrast, the NFL and other leagues will just suspend a player for a season if they gamble. With such high standards and life-changing penalties, MLB has no choice but to proceed with the Ohtani investigation, no matter how hard it may be considering Ohtani's importance, popularity and financial impact on the sport. 

IS ANYONE ELSE INVOLVED?

Finally, MLB will need to find out how Ippei got involved with this particular bookie.

Was he referred to by other people in sports or baseball? Mizuhara says that this dates back to at least 2021, when Ohtani was with the Angels. MLB will have to investigate if there are any connections by current or former players or staff from there as well.

What makes matters even worse is that Ohtani and Mizuhara are so close that it seems highly unlikely that Ohtani couldn't have known at least SOMETHING. However, it's important to keep in mind that Ohtani hasn't been charged with anything.

Also, in MLB's statement, it said it would ask to speak with both Mizuhara and Ohtani. That may prove difficult as Mizuhara is no longer a team employee and doesn't have to answer any questions because MLB does not have subpoena power. Meanwhile, because Ohtani hasn't been criminally charged with anything, according to the MLBPA's collective bargaining agreement, he may not be forced to speak either. 

When you add the fact that sports betting and gambling is a multi-million dollar advertiser, partner and component to Major League Baseball? 

It's not ideal for the start of the 2024 season. Here are more of my thoughts on the matter: