Video In Dodgers Dugout Casts Doubt On Shohei Ohtani Interpreter Story

Shohei Ohtani has been the center of the baseball universe since reaching free agency in November, and after joining the Los Angeles Dodgers, the hype only accelerated.

Ohtani's record-setting contract, massive endorsement income and the expectations of the Dodgers franchise all ramped up the pressure on the 29-year-old heading into MLB's opening series in Seoul. That pressure got dialed up even further when a shocking story broke on Wednesday afternoon about Ohtani's interpreter, with his attorneys accusing Ippei Mizuhara of millions of dollars worth of "theft" to pay sports betting debts.

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

But a video surfaced from the Dodgers dugout during the first game of the season of an exchange between Ohtani and Mizuhara, casting some doubt on the official version of events.

Ohtani is seen walking over to Mizuhara and having what appears to be a friendly conversation in the ninth inning; a bit of an oddity considering his attorney alleged Mizuhara effectively stole millions from him.

After the game, Mizuhara reportedly addressed the team, admitting to a gambling addiction and taking responsibility. Though if Ohtani knew from his attorneys that he was accused of "theft," why would he be so calm? What's really going on here?

Dec 14, 2023; Los Angeles, CA, USA;  Los Angeles Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani stands with his agent Nez Balelo (left) and interpreter Ippei Mizuhara at an introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Shohei Ohtani Interpreter Story Raises A Lot Of Questions

After the Los Angeles Times' initial report was published sharing the statement from Ohtani's attorneys, another ESPN report was released with an entirely different perspective.

Mizuhara apparently sat for a 90-minute interview with ESPN, explaining that he had racked up millions in gambling debts to Matt Bowyer, a bookie under investigation in California for illegal sports betting. According to that version of events, he told Ohtani about it, who agreed to pay his debts directly so Mizuhara didn't use the money to gamble more. Mizuhara also said he never bet on baseball, only other sports, and didn't realize that using a bookie was illegal.

"I want everyone to know Shohei had zero involvement in betting," he told ESPN. "I want people to know I did not know this was illegal. I learned my lesson the hard way. I will never do sports betting ever again."

After that interview though, his story changed. The next day, Mizuhara said that Ohtani had no knowledge of his gambling debts, nor had he ever sent money to Bowyer to cover them. 

What Happens Now?

The Dodgers early Thursday morning Seoul time fired Mizuhara, hours before losing a wild 15-11 game to the San Diego Padres. Reporters on site said that Ohtani was effectively never spotted before the game, despite a line of cameras waiting for him in the clubhouse and tunnel to the field. 

After the game, team PR officials surrounded Ohtani, and he left the clubhouse by thanking the reporters for their hard work and not taking questions. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman told The Athletic that he effectively had no comment.

"There’s nothing to say," Friedman said. "Literally nothing to say."

The video seems to indicate that Mizuhara's initial version of events could be the more accurate one; he gambled without Ohtani's knowledge, then went to his very wealthy friend to help, without realizing that it could implicate Ohtani in a crime. The two would have remained friends after handling the debts, explaining the non-contentious relationship.

However, if that's the case, it's odd that Mizuhara was allowed to speak to ESPN and give that version of events without Ohtani's attorneys advising against it. Or maybe Mizuhara did lie, and his attorneys investigated further during the game, realizing after the fact that Mizuhara had in fact been sending money to Bowyer under Ohtani's name or using his accounts.

Some have suggested that Mizuhara was covering for an Ohtani betting addiction. That's possible, but seems unlikely given Ohtani's focus on his career, stated desire to make the Hall of Fame and spotless track record. Jeopardizing that, when he could so easily engage in legal sports betting while in other states, doesn't make sense.

MLB has said that there is no active investigation into Ohtani, nor is he facing any discipline from the league. With his notorious desire for privacy, it's unlikely he ever addresses the matter. Unless something changes with regards to an official investigation, there may never be a complete explanation of exactly what happened. Ohtani though, appears set to continue playing for the Dodgers when they start their domestic season next Thursday.