“Shohei Ohtani Reacts with ‘Sadness’ and ‘Shock’ to Revelations About Former Interpreter and Confidant”
Los Angeles Dodgers standout Shohei Ohtani expressed feelings of “sadness” and “shock” regarding the recent revelations surrounding his former trusted interpreter and confidant, Ippei Mizuhara, who was involved in gambling activities. Ohtani firmly denied engaging in any illegal sports betting or ever providing money to an illicit bookmaker.
Addressing the scandal publicly for the first time on Monday afternoon, Ohtani asserted, “I have never placed bets on baseball or any other sports, nor have I ever asked someone to do so on my behalf. I have never utilized the services of a bookmaker for sports betting.”
During a ten-minute statement, accompanied by his new interpreter Will Ireton, Ohtani affirmed the timeline of events as reported by his representatives. He revealed that he became aware of Mizuhara’s gambling addiction during a team meeting in Korea last Wednesday, emphasizing that he had no knowledge of any illegal bets placed on his behalf.
