Seoul, South Korea – Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, is facing a criminal investigation by the IRS for alleged involvement with an illegal bookmaker. The lawyer for the bookmaker revealed that Mizuhara placed bets on international soccer, emphasizing that no baseball bets were made. The IRS confirmed the ongoing investigation but provided no further details, only acknowledging the case through its Los Angeles Field Office.
Mizuhara, 39, was terminated from his position with the Los Angeles Dodgers following reports from various sources about his connections to illegal gambling activities and substantial debts exceeding $1 million. The news emerged just hours after Ohtani’s highly anticipated debut with the Dodgers in South Korea, where Mizuhara had been a constant presence beside the megastar.
In California, sports gambling is illegal, despite being permitted in 38 states and the District of Columbia in some form. Efforts to reach Mizuhara for comment were unsuccessful, and it remains unclear if he has sought legal representation amid the investigation.
Reportedly, Mizuhara’s bets were not limited to soccer, extending to the NBA, NFL, and college football. MLB regulations prohibit players and team personnel from engaging in any form of wagering, including legal bets on baseball as well as illegal or offshore betting activities on other sports.
The Dodgers have acknowledged the situation, with security measures heightened at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul where the team was playing. Despite the off-field distractions, Ohtani remained focused on his game, making an appearance in the lineup and delivering a solid performance.
Mizuhara’s extensive background as an interpreter for Japanese players in baseball dates back to his tenure with the Boston Red Sox and later with Ohtani when he joined the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan. His role as Ohtani’s interpreter has been pivotal in facilitating communication and understanding between the player and the media since Ohtani’s arrival in the US in 2017.
The gambling scandal involving Mizuhara has cast a shadow over the baseball world, underscoring the strict policies and consequences within MLB for any involvement in gambling activities. Allegations of debts, theft, and unauthorized betting activities have raised concerns about the integrity and reputation of those connected to the sport.