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Shohei Ohtani’s former Angels teammates are reacting to the gambling scandal involving Ohtani’s interpreter.
Earlier this week, Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, reportedly admitted to paying off a $4.5 million illegal overseas gambling debt with Ohtani’s money. Ohtani’s reps claim Mizuhara stole the money, while the interpreter initially told the media that Ohtani had willingly paid off the debt.
The MLB has already opened an investigation into the Ohtani gambling scandal.
MLB announces they began their investigation process earlier today on the situation involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara pic.twitter.com/eEOVy5tZfQ
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) March 22, 2024
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale spoke to several of Ohtani’s former Angels teammates, and they were shocked to learn of the gambling scandal involving the MLB superstar and his interpreter.
Via USA Today
The Angels say they had no idea that Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani or his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara had the slightest interest in the world of sports outside baseball
“I’m just shocked, and I’m as curious as anyone to see what comes out,” Angels outfielder Mickey Moniak said. “I have zero idea what’s going to transpire, or what has transpired over how many years. But great friends, great people. Ippei was as part of the team as anyone else.”
Never did anyone hear either of the two talking about gambling, or even wagering in clubhouse pools. Ohtani was a recluse, immediately retreating to his home after games, and leaving his hotel room only to go to games on the road. Mizuhara, who was born in Japan but moved to Southern California when he was 7, spoke fluently in each language, and was much more outgoing in the clubhouse. Still, except for poker playing, there was nothing to suggest Mizuhara was gambling on even playing fantasy football.
It’s going to be interesting to see how the Ohtani scandal unfolds considering he’s the biggest star in baseball at the moment.