MLB has initiated an investigation into a gambling controversy involving Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. The federal government has also joined the inquiry, potentially leading to disciplinary actions. Speculation swirls around the possible repercussions Ohtani might face from MLB.
In a recent column for USA Today, Bob Nightengale suggested that Ohtani might only face a fine, implying leniency from the league.
Mizuhara allegedly accrued a $4.5 million gambling debt with a Southern California-based bookie involved in an illicit gambling operation, which was already under federal investigation. The probe uncovered the connection between Ohtani and Mizuhara.
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Reportedly, wire transfers were made from Ohtani’s bank account to the bookmaker. Initially, Mizuhara claimed Ohtani was settling his gambling debt, but later changed his story, alleging he had stolen the money from Ohtani without his knowledge of the gambling activities.
Questions arose about whether Ohtani himself might be the one with the gambling addiction, with Mizuhara possibly covering for the MLB star. If true, the potential consequences for Ohtani would be much more severe. However, it appears more plausible that either Mizuhara’s initial explanation, where Ohtani was assisting him by paying off the debt, or the revised account, where Ohtani was unaware of the gambling, holds true. This is likely why Nightengale predicts Ohtani may face nothing more than a fine from MLB.
Such a lenient outcome would be a relief for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who secured Ohtani with a lucrative 10-year, $700 million contract during free agency (equivalent to about $460 million in today’s value).