Allegations of Theft: Dodgers Terminate Ohtani's Interpreter

The Los Angeles Dodgers have fired Shohei Ohtani’s long-time interpreter Ippei Mizuhara over allegations of theft related to illegal gambling. ESPN reported that $4.5 million was transferred from Ohtani’s bank account to a bookmaker with Ohtani not implicated in any wrongdoing.

Mizuhara admitted to his gambling debts and sought help from Ohtani but later retracted his statement claiming Ohtani was unaware of the situation. Ohtani’s attorneys have accused Mizuhara of theft and the matter has been turned over to authorities.

Despite the controversy, Ohtani recently signed a record-breaking contract with the Dodgers. Mizuhara’s proficiency in interpreting Ohtani’s comments into colloquial English has been lauded in Japan.