Plaschke: Do you still believe in Shohei Ohtani? I'm not sure
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Plaschke: Do you still believe in Shohei Ohtani? I'm not sure

LA Times  

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, right, talks to interpreter Ippei Mizuhara during the fifth inning of a against the San Diego Padres at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. California What to know about the Shohei Ohtani interpreter gambling scandal Shohei Ohtani is considered a victim as prosecutors charge ex-interpreter Ippei Mizuhara with bank fraud after $16 million was stolen from the Dodgers star. In an interview with ESPN that was arranged by an Ohtani spokesman, Ohtani’s longtime translator Ippei Mizuhara said that Ohtani sent the money to cover Mizuhara’s gambling debts. It’s interesting that when Major League Baseball last week announced its investigation into the matter, it cited, “allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara.” Read that again.

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History of this topic

Dodgers expect Shohei Ohtani to be ready to hit for opener in Japan, but not be on the mound
1 week, 6 days ago

Dodgers expect Shohei Ohtani to be ready to hit for opener in Japan, but not be on the mound

Associated Press  

DALLAS — The Los Angeles Dodgers expect Shohei Ohtani to be ready to hit when the reigning World Series champions open their season in Japan against the Chicago Cubs on March 18 and 19. “I don’t think he’d have it any other way,” manager Dave Roberts said Monday of the NL MVP who had left shoulder surgery last month. “That’s …

‘A Shohei economy’: How Shohei Ohtani’s first year transformed the Dodgers financially
2 weeks, 1 day ago

‘A Shohei economy’: How Shohei Ohtani’s first year transformed the Dodgers financially

LA Times  

The announcements came like a metronome at the start of last season, a steady stream of almost weekly news releases from the Dodgers announcing one Japanese sponsorship deal after the next. And even before accounting for the staggering $680 million of deferrals Ohtani proposed in his contract — a structure that preserved the Dodgers’ payroll flexibility by paying him only …

Baseball star Shohei Ohtani seeks $325,000 worth of baseball cards from his ex-interpreter
Trending News
3 weeks, 4 days ago

Baseball star Shohei Ohtani seeks $325,000 worth of baseball cards from his ex-interpreter

Associated Press  

Baseball star Shohei Ohtani wants his former interpreter to hand over hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of baseball cards he says were fraudulently bought using his money. The Los Angeles Dodgers star is also requesting Ippei Mizuhara, who previously pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud for stealing nearly $17 million from the unsuspecting athlete, return signed collectible baseball …

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani seeks $325,000 worth of baseball cards from ex-interpreter
3 weeks, 5 days ago

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani seeks $325,000 worth of baseball cards from ex-interpreter

LA Times  

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, right, is seeking $325,000 worth of baseball cards former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, left, bought using Ohtani’s money. Baseball star Shohei Ohtani wants his former interpreter to hand over hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of baseball cards he says were fraudulently bought using his money. The Dodgers star is also requesting that Ippei Mizuhara, who previously …

Shohei Ohtani in early stages of rehab from shoulder surgery and hopes to be ready for opening day
1 month ago

Shohei Ohtani in early stages of rehab from shoulder surgery and hopes to be ready for opening day

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani is in the early stages of rehabbing from arthroscopic surgery to repair a labrum tear in his left shoulder following the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series championship over the New York Yankees last month. “We’ve already removed the stitches,” the Japanese star said Thursday in Los Angeles after winning his third Most Valuable Player award, …

Dodgers not counting on Ohtani to pitch at the start of next season following left shoulder surgery
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Dodgers not counting on Ohtani to pitch at the start of next season following left shoulder surgery

Associated Press  

SAN ANTONIO — The Los Angeles Dodgers aren’t counting on Shohei Ohtani to pitch at the start of next season and will wait to see how his rehabilitation progresses following shoulder surgery on his non-throwing arm. “We’re going to take it piece by piece and get through this and then take it in one-, two-week chunks and make sure that …

Shohei Ohtani to Start in Game 3 of World Series
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Shohei Ohtani to Start in Game 3 of World Series

CNN  

Shohei Ohtani will play in Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night, batting in his usual spot at the top of the order. Ohtani sustained a left shoulder subluxation in the bottom of the seventh inning while attempting a steal during Game 2 on Saturday, which the Dodgers went on to win 4-2 against the New York Yankees.

Shohei Ohtani in the Dodgers’ lineup for Game 3: ‘He wasn’t going to not be in there’
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Shohei Ohtani in the Dodgers’ lineup for Game 3: ‘He wasn’t going to not be in there’

LA Times  

Teammates show concern as the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani heads to the clubhouse after injuring his shoulder in Game 2 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium. We said, ‘All right, he’s got us.’ We’ll be ready for him to be in the lineup.” Ohtani was indeed in the lineup Monday night, batting leadoff in Game 3 at Yankee Stadium just …

Shohei Ohtani, his translator, and the $180m betting scandal that hangs over baseball's biggest superstar as he seeks World Series glory
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Shohei Ohtani, his translator, and the $180m betting scandal that hangs over baseball's biggest superstar as he seeks World Series glory

Daily Mail  

Shohei Ohtani had something penciled in for Friday, October 25, long before the Los Angeles Dodgers secured their spot in the World Series. Ippei Mizuhara was accused of stealing $17million from baseball icon Shohei Ohtani The Los Angeles Dodgers star signed a 10-year, $700million deal back in December 2023 Last month, however, the hearing was postponed to December - at …

Shohei Ohtani: The face of baseball shrugging off a betting scandal to keep making history
2 months ago

Shohei Ohtani: The face of baseball shrugging off a betting scandal to keep making history

The Independent  

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our …

What was (and wasn’t) discussed in Dodgers’ pitching meeting with Shohei Ohtani
2 months, 4 weeks ago

What was (and wasn’t) discussed in Dodgers’ pitching meeting with Shohei Ohtani

LA Times  

Dodgers officials and Shohei Ohtani met last Sunday to discuss the state of the two-way star’s pitching rehab program, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Thursday. “It just wasn’t even talked about,” Friedman said, “because it’s not a thought.” Instead, Sunday’s meeting centered on a delicate balance Ohtani and the Dodgers will have to strike in October, when Ohtani …

Shohei Ohtani helps ignite Dodgers comeback, reaching 52-52 mark in win over Rockies
3 months ago

Shohei Ohtani helps ignite Dodgers comeback, reaching 52-52 mark in win over Rockies

LA Times  

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hits a two-run home run in the fifth inning of a 6-4 win over the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on Friday night. Had the Dodgers clinched the National League West title by now, like they usually do, they could have given Shohei Ohtani Friday night off to bask in the afterglow of Thursday’s six-hit, three-homer, …

With more gambling cases likely, Ohtani debacle is a lesson to MLB
3 months, 1 week ago

With more gambling cases likely, Ohtani debacle is a lesson to MLB

LA Times  

The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani, right, and his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, leave after a news conference ahead of a workout in South Korea on March 16. Both the Dodgers and MLB have remained mostly silent about their actions during the days before The Times broke the story about Ohtani’s name surfacing in the federal probe and the theft allegations against …

Shohei Ohtani returns to Anaheim with an RBI triple in the Dodgers’ 6-2 win over the Angels
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Shohei Ohtani returns to Anaheim with an RBI triple in the Dodgers’ 6-2 win over the Angels

Associated Press  

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Shohei Ohtani hit an RBI triple in his first regular-season game back at Angel Stadium, and he scored on Mookie Betts’ three-run homer in the 10th inning of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 6-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night. Most importantly, it’s about winning the game, and I’m glad we won.” The Dodgers already …

Could Angels have kept Shohei Ohtani? Their non-offer lingers ahead of his Anaheim return
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Could Angels have kept Shohei Ohtani? Their non-offer lingers ahead of his Anaheim return

LA Times  

When Randal Grichuk was traded to the Angels last year, arriving as one of several veteran additions the club made during its all-in trade deadline buying spree, he quickly recognized his new club’s main objective. “If I had been able to contribute to the maximum, I think there are parts that would have been different.” Despite all that, however, there …

Column: Is Shohei Ohtani ready for his first pennant race with the Dodgers?
5 months, 1 week ago

Column: Is Shohei Ohtani ready for his first pennant race with the Dodgers?

LA Times  

Shohei Ohtani will return to the Dodgers for the second half of the season as a triple-crown candidate, ranking first in the NL in home runs, second in average and third in RBIs. This was news to Shohei Ohtani, who described his relationship with Roberts as “wonderful.” “I think he’s a manager who has a lot of conversations with players …

Midway through his first season as a Dodger, Shohei Ohtani is a Hollywood blockbuster
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Midway through his first season as a Dodger, Shohei Ohtani is a Hollywood blockbuster

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — Halfway through his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani looks quite comfortable with his new surroundings. So I think overall, looking back, it’s been a really good first half.” Ohtani, who turns 30 on July 5, agreed to a record-shattering $700 million, 10-year contract in December. But at the same time, as a hitter, I’ve …

Shohei Ohtani interested in home run derby but Dodgers sound reluctant
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Shohei Ohtani interested in home run derby but Dodgers sound reluctant

LA Times  

Shohei Ohtani participated in the home run derby in 2021 when he was with the Angels and the All-Star Game was in Colorado. Shohei Ohtani expressed an interest in participating in this summer’s home run derby, but the Dodgers slugger — who has been one of baseball’s best hitters while rehabilitating from his second Tommy John surgery — appears a …

Shohei Ohtani retired a meme by joining a team with other heroes
6 months ago

Shohei Ohtani retired a meme by joining a team with other heroes

LA Times  

Shohei Ohtani homered Friday night. Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani greets the Angels’ Michael Stefanic and Mickey Moniak at Dodger Stadium on Friday. The Japanese equivalent of the Tungsten Arm O’Doyle meme was inspired by television news reports on Ohtani’s heroics, which often concluded with broadcasters obligated to point out, “Furthermore, the Angels lost.” Once commonly used in sports newspaper headlines, …

Ippei Mizuhara spoke for baseball star Shohei Ohtani. He also stole nearly $17M from him
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Ippei Mizuhara spoke for baseball star Shohei Ohtani. He also stole nearly $17M from him

Associated Press  

SANTA ANA, Calif. — As an interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara was supposed to bridge the gap between baseball star Shohei Ohtani and his English-speaking teammates and fans as the duo traveled from Southern California to ballparks across the U.S. Inside baseball, Mizuhara stood by Ohtani’s side for many of the Japanese sensation’s career highlights, from serving as his catcher during the …

Shohei Ohtani puts interpreter scandal behind him but extends slump in Dodgers’ loss
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Shohei Ohtani puts interpreter scandal behind him but extends slump in Dodgers’ loss

LA Times  

Shohei Ohtani epitomized the Dodgers’ continued struggles by going just one for four at the plate. As a reporter noted the considerable amount of conversation dedicated to the scandal surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts cut off the query mid-sentence. “We have.” After Tuesday, Roberts, Ohtani and the entire Dodgers organization are hoping they won’t have …

Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for Shohei Ohtani, pleads guilty to fraud in betting case
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for Shohei Ohtani, pleads guilty to fraud in betting case

LA Times  

Ippei Mizuhara, center, the former longtime interpreter for Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, leaves federal court following his arraignment on Tuesday. The former interpreter for Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud on Tuesday and admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off sports betting debts. In a statement Tuesday, MLB …

Ohtani’s former interpreter Mizuhara pleads guilty in sport betting case
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Ohtani’s former interpreter Mizuhara pleads guilty in sport betting case

Al Jazeera  

Mizuhara pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $17m from the Los Angeles Dodgers player to pay off illegal gambling debts. Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, has pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $17m from the Japanese baseball player to pay off illegal gambling debts. The former interpreter for the Los Angeles Dodgers player pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud in …

Shohei Ohtani lost sleep after translator was accused of stealing millions of dollars from him
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Shohei Ohtani lost sleep after translator was accused of stealing millions of dollars from him

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Shohei Ohtani says he lost sleep after his translator was accused of stealing millions of dollars from the two-way baseball star. “I think the thing that affected me the most is just being able to sleep well,” Ohtani said through a translator on Monday before the Dodgers’ series opener at the New York Mets was rained out. …

Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, pleads not guilty as a formality
7 months, 1 week ago

Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, pleads not guilty as a formality

LA Times  

A courtroom sketch of Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, in federal court in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The former interpreter for Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani pleaded not guilty Tuesday to bank and tax fraud, a formality before following through on a plea deal he’s negotiated with federal prosecutors to admit guilt in a wide-ranging sports …

Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for MLB star Shohei Ohtani, pleads not guilty as a formality
7 months, 1 week ago

Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for MLB star Shohei Ohtani, pleads not guilty as a formality

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani pleaded not guilty Tuesday to bank and tax fraud, a formality ahead of a plea deal he’s negotiated with federal prosecutors in a wide-ranging sports betting case. Prosecutors say Ippei Mizuhara stole nearly $17 million from Ohtani to pay off sports gambling debts during a yearslong scheme, …

Shohei Ohtani not in Dodgers’ starting lineup vs. Padres because of back tightness
7 months, 1 week ago

Shohei Ohtani not in Dodgers’ starting lineup vs. Padres because of back tightness

Associated Press  

SAN DIEGO — Shohei Ohtani was not in the Dodgers’ starting lineup against the San Diego Padres on Sunday because of back tightness that forced him to exit a game Saturday night. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said sitting Ohtani would be a precautionary measure. Ohtani left after his fourth at-bat in a 5-0 win over the Padres on Saturday …

Column: Dave Roberts does his job: Protecting Shohei Ohtani from himself
7 months, 1 week ago

Column: Dave Roberts does his job: Protecting Shohei Ohtani from himself

LA Times  

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani grimaces after striking out against the Padres on Friday night in San Diego. On the morning of the Dodgers’ series finale against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, Roberts told interpreter Will Ireton that Ohtani wouldn’t be in the lineup, and that was that. The way Roberts managed Ohtani marked a promising start to one …

TV series based on Shohei Ohtani interpreter gambling scandal in the works at Lionsgate
7 months, 2 weeks ago

TV series based on Shohei Ohtani interpreter gambling scandal in the works at Lionsgate

LA Times  

Lionsgate Television is developing a scripted series based on the real-life gambling scandal involving Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter. The series will be produced by Tony Award winner Scott Delman, known for “The Book of Mormon” and “A Raisin in the Sun,” and sports journalist Albert Chen, Santa Monica-based Lionsgate said Thursday. “This is Major League Baseball’s biggest sports gambling …

Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, will plead guilty in betting case
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, will plead guilty in betting case

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has agreed to plead guilty to bank and tax fraud in a sports betting case in which prosecutors allege he stole nearly $17 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off debts, federal prosecutors said Wednesday. Mizuhara will plead guilty to one count of bank fraud …

Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara reaches plea agreement on 2 federal charges
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara reaches plea agreement on 2 federal charges

CNN  

CNN — The former interpreter and longtime friend of MLB megastar Shohei Ohtani has agreed to plead guilty to illegally transferring almost $17 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers player’s bank account, according to a news release from the US Department of Justice. “From no later than November 2021 to March 2024, Mizuhara used Ohtani’s password to successfully sign into …

Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter agrees to plead guilty to stealing $17 million
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter agrees to plead guilty to stealing $17 million

LA Times  

Ippei Mizuhara, left, stands next to Shohei Ohtani and translates during an interview at Dodger Stadium on Feb. 3, 2024. Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, has agreed to plead guilty in federal court to stealing millions of dollars from Ohtani to cover gambling debts, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Without telling Ohtani, prosecutors …

Shohei Ohtani has sweeping Dodgers dreaming of a different October
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Shohei Ohtani has sweeping Dodgers dreaming of a different October

LA Times  

This can’t be confused with October. Shohei Ohtani greets Dodgers teammate Teoscar Hernández after hitting a home run in the eighth inning Sunday. “We showed how well we can play against a really good team.” This Dodgers team also has a new outfielder, Teoscar Hernández, who hit his eighth homer Sunday and has equaled Ohtani’s 25 RBIs. “I just feel …

Shohei Ohtani gets booed by Toronto fans, then smacks a homer to spark Dodgers’ win
7 months, 4 weeks ago

Shohei Ohtani gets booed by Toronto fans, then smacks a homer to spark Dodgers’ win

LA Times  

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the first inning of a 12-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday. Shohei Ohtani had gotten a lot of cheers from the crowd in his past trips to Toronto Not anymore apparently pic.twitter.com/M0oikMlV0D — Jack Harris April 26, 2024 “He’s shown he’s compartmentalizes really well,” manager …

Mizuhara’s surrender inspires Shohei Ohtani to soar for Dodgers
8 months, 1 week ago

Mizuhara’s surrender inspires Shohei Ohtani to soar for Dodgers

LA Times  

Ippei Mizuhara entered a courtroom in shackles. Before the game, through a statement, Mizuhara apologized to Ohtani, his lawyer Michael G. Freedman saying, “He wishes to apologize to Mr. Ohtani, the Dodgers, Major League Baseball and his family.” Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani gestures as he heads to first after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the Padres …

Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, must get gambling addiction treatment, judge says
8 months, 1 week ago

Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, must get gambling addiction treatment, judge says

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s former longtime interpreter agreed Friday to undergo court-ordered gambling addiction treatment after federal prosecutors accused him of stealing $16 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off debts. From the field at Dodger Stadium hours after Friday’s proceeding, Ohtani said he was “very grateful” for the investigation and would focus …

Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara makes first court appearance in L.A.
8 months, 1 week ago

Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara makes first court appearance in L.A.

LA Times  

Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Shohei Ohtani, made his first court appearance Friday afternoon on charges that he stole more than $16 million from the Dodgers superstar to cover debts with an illegal bookmaker. “Our investigation has revealed that due to the position of trust he occupied with Mr. Ohtani, Mr. Mizuhara had unique access to Mr. Ohtani’s finances,” …

Shohei Ohtani ‘grateful’ for investigation into ex-interpreter: ‘I’d like to focus on baseball’
8 months, 1 week ago

Shohei Ohtani ‘grateful’ for investigation into ex-interpreter: ‘I’d like to focus on baseball’

LA Times  

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani stands on the field at Dodger Stadium before a Freeway Series game against the Angels in March. At that news conference, which took place on March 25, Ohtani said he had no knowledge of the wire transfers Mizuhara made from his account, that he had never gambled on sports or used an illegal bookmaker, and that …

Shohei Ohtani translator indicted for gambling theft: Ippei Mizuhara betrayed Ohtani; his agent and communications team did too.
54 years, 11 months ago

Shohei Ohtani translator indicted for gambling theft: Ippei Mizuhara betrayed Ohtani; his agent and communications team did too.

Slate  

At the end of March, Shohei Ohtani gave his side of a story that had become a runaway train. The Los Angeles Dodgers fired Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, while federal law enforcement and Major League Baseball conducted their own investigations. After all of the initial contradictions from others, Ohtani’s story was simple: Mizuhara, who had a gambling problem, had stolen …

Here’s how investigators allege Ippei Mizuhara stole $16 million from Shohei Ohtani
8 months, 1 week ago

Here’s how investigators allege Ippei Mizuhara stole $16 million from Shohei Ohtani

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Federal authorities allege Ippei Mizuhara, the former longtime interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, stole more than $16 million from the two-way baseball sensation to cover his gambling debts. Mizuhara placed nearly 25 wagers per day and lost nearly $41 million The complaint says Mizuhara’s phone contained hundreds of pages of text messages with a …

Shohei Ohtani's Translator Accused Of Stealing Over $16 Million From Baseball Star's Account
8 months, 1 week ago

Shohei Ohtani's Translator Accused Of Stealing Over $16 Million From Baseball Star's Account

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Federal prosecutors on Thursday charged the Japanese-language translator for Shohei Ohtani with felony bank fraud, accusing Ippei Mizuhara of stealing millions of dollars from the Los Angeles Dodgers star to cover his own gambling debts. According to an affidavit provided to HuffPost, Mizuhara transferred more than $16 million out of Ohtani’s checking account from November 2021 to …

Former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani charged with bank fraud in sports betting case
8 months, 1 week ago

Former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani charged with bank fraud in sports betting case

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The former longtime interpreter for …

Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter charged with stealing $16M from baseball star in sports betting case
8 months, 1 week ago

Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter charged with stealing $16M from baseball star in sports betting case

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Federal authorities charged the former longtime interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani on Thursday with federal bank fraud, alleging that he stole more than $16 million from the Japanese sensation to cover gambling bets and debts. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said Mizuhara was so intertwined in Ohtani’s life and career that he became the star’s …

Ohtani interpreter stole more than $16 million from baseball star, feds allege
8 months, 1 week ago

Ohtani interpreter stole more than $16 million from baseball star, feds allege

LA Times  

Federal prosecutors have charged Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Shohei Ohtani, with stealing more than $16 million from the Dodgers superstar to pay debts with an alleged illegal bookmaker, as part of a sprawling scheme that stretched over two years and involved illicit wagers of more than 10 times that amount. The 36-page criminal complaint alleges that Mizuhara arranged …

Why feds say Shohei Ohtani is a ‘victim’: Interpreter allegedly paid gambling debts pretending to be Dodger
8 months, 1 week ago

Why feds say Shohei Ohtani is a ‘victim’: Interpreter allegedly paid gambling debts pretending to be Dodger

LA Times  

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani “cooperated fully” with an investigation of his former interpreter and was cleared of wrongdoing, the U.S. attorney for the Central District of California said. When Japanese interpreter Ippei Mizuhara lost bets, he paid a bookmaker with money allegedly stolen from Shohei Ohtani, a staggering total of more than $16 million — nearly four times what previously …

What's next for Shohei Ohtani, MLB after Ippei Mizuhara charges?
8 months, 1 week ago

What's next for Shohei Ohtani, MLB after Ippei Mizuhara charges?

LA Times  

On March 25, Shohei Ohtani stood before television cameras at Dodger Stadium and said this about his longtime interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara: “Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has told lies.” That same day, according to a federal criminal complaint filed Thursday, Ohtani granted consent for law enforcement officials to search his phone. The 37-page complaint, which charges …

Shohei Ohtani's legend continues as baseball star, not a gambler
8 months, 1 week ago

Shohei Ohtani's legend continues as baseball star, not a gambler

LA Times  

Two weeks after sinking into a murky abyss, the legend of Shohei Ohtani has suddenly come up for air, surfacing powerfully through a thick layer of felonious lies and criminal deceit. I didn’t quite believe Ohtani when he recently threw Mizuhara under the bus by saying, “Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has told lies.” With Thursday’s …

Japanese treat Shohei Ohtani gambling scandal like ‘presidential election.’ Media take his side
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Japanese treat Shohei Ohtani gambling scandal like ‘presidential election.’ Media take his side

LA Times  

Japanese citizens recognize that baseball players betting on baseball — even if the wagers aren’t made on a bettor’s team — is taboo. In a statement he read to an assembly of about 70 reporters at Dodger Stadium last week, Ohtani said, “I never bet on baseball or any other sports, or have never asked somebody to do on my …

Letters to Sports: When it comes to Shohei Ohtani, nobody knows the real story
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Letters to Sports: When it comes to Shohei Ohtani, nobody knows the real story

LA Times  

$700 million, crooked interpreter, illegal gambling, innocent baseball player and large institutions investigating it all. The wimpy L.A. media should have pushed back on the Dodgers and said, “If Ohtani won’t answer questions we won’t bother to send a reporter or film crew.” Shame on the media for going along with it and kudos to Dylan Hernández for his follow-up …

Dodgers' Ohtani, Betts and Freeman are matching the Big Three hype
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Dodgers' Ohtani, Betts and Freeman are matching the Big Three hype

LA Times  

Welcome to — Boom! “I was the only one who didn’t hit a home run,” said Ohtani, poor guy, so sad. “It’s great to be a starting pitcher behind a lineup like that.” He was talking about the entire lineup and, indeed, Max Muncy added two RBIs, James Outman knocked in a run, and Will Smith kept that first inning …

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