REPORT: Shohei Ohtani’s Interpreter Allegedly Stole Millions For Illegal Sports Betting

In a stunning new report, the interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has been accused of stealing millions of dollars from Ohtani to use in an illegal sports gambling ring.

The Los Angeles Times reported the story on Wednesday afternoon, with Ohtani's attorneys confirming certain details concerning his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. The Times began investigating the story when Ohtani's name popped up in an investigation into an illegal sports gambling ring based in Orange County. They contacted his attorneys, who conducted their own inquiries, before giving a statement to The Times on Wednesday.

"In the course of responding to recent media inquiries, we discovered that Shohei has been the victim of a massive theft and we are turning the matter over to the authorities," said the Berk Bretler firm in a statement.

Mizuhara allegedly placed bets with a man named Matthew Bowyer, using money stolen from Ohtani. According to The Times, the Dodgers fired Mizuhara on Wednesday after learning of the allegations.

Los Angeles - Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtan (left) speaks to interpreter Ippei Mizuhara at introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium on Dec. 14, 2023. Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

What Does This Mean For Shohei Ohtani?

As part of the Times' story, they reached out to the lawyer for Bowyer, Diane Bass. Bowyer has not been charged with a crime, and the attorney specifically said that Ohtani was not involved with any illegal gambling.

"Matthew Bowyer never met, spoke with, or texted, or had contact in any way with Shohei Ohtani," Bass explained. 

This story is obviously surprising, both for the scale of the alleged "theft" and for the individuals involved. Specifically in this instance, Ippei Mizuhara has been one of Ohtani's closest friends. The notoriously private 29-year-old was rarely seen without Mizuhara at spring training or around baseball facilities. He was spotted by television cameras in the dugout repeatedly speaking to Ohtani during the Dodgers' 5-2 win over the San Diego Padres in the first game of the Seoul Series. 

Ohtani couldn't be reached for comment, according to The Times, but given that there's no allegation of contact, he'd seem to avoid any potential complications or MLB investigations. But it's a stunning turn of events for a player who's cultivated a close, trusted group of confidants, friends and advisors. 

The Dodgers play the Padres again at 6am Eastern on Thursday, with Ohtani expected to be in the lineup, hitting second. Given his privacy and the apparent lack of an interpreter now, it's unlikely he addresses the allegations. The Dodgers have also not issued a statement as of late Wednesday afternoon.

But this is a rapidly developing story, with more details sure to be released. Stay tuned.