Shohei Ohtani’s Interpreter Accused of ‘Massive Theft’ of Former Angels Star’s Funds

Former Angels' interpreter for two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara, has reportedly been fired from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Mizuhara was the interpreter for Ohtani while he was with the Angels and he followed him to the Dodgers, but has now been let go due to some serious allegations.

Mizuhara was accused of engaging in a "massive theft" of Ohtani's money to place bets with an allegedly illegal bookie. The Los Angeles Times reported the news.

According to The Times, Ohtani's name appeared in an investigation regarding illegal gambling, which sparked his attorneys to investigate. The West Hollywood law firm Berk Brettler released this statement:

“In the course of responding to recent media inquiries, we discovered that Shohei has been the victim of a massive theft and we are turning the matter over to the authorities.”

The LA Times reported that Ohtani had no contact with the bookmaker.

Ohtani and Mizuhara have known each other since 2013. They first met while Mizuhara was working as an English interpreter while Ohtani played on the Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan. 

Mizuhara then followed Ohtani to Major League Baseball in 2017 when he signed with the Angels. He also followed him this offseason when he signed with the Dodgers.

Mizuhara and Ohtani are in Korea as the Dodgers opened their new season up during the Seoul Series.