Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter fired after ‘massive theft’ allegations
The Los Angeles Dodgers have fired the longtime interpreter and friend of superstar Shohei Ohtani following allegations of “massive theft”.
Ippei Mizuhara, who has been alongside Japanese baseball sensation Ohtani since his 2018 MLB debut, is accused of using funds from the player’s bank account to pay off gambling debts.
Ohtani (L) at his first Los Angeles Dodgers news conference with his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara in December 2023. Pic: Kyodo via AP
Ohtani’s lawyers told the Los Angeles Times that Mr Mizuhara placed bets with an allegedly illegal bookmaker, who is reportedly under federal investigation.
ESPN reported at least $4.5m (£3.5m) had been transferred from Ohtani’s account to a Southern California gambling operation.
Mr Mizuhara, who gave his account in an interview with the US sport network on Tuesday night, lost his job after reporters started asking questions about the wire transfers.
“Obviously, this is all my fault, everything I’ve done,” he told ESPN. “I’m ready to face all the consequences.”
He said his bets were on international soccer, the NBA, the NFL and college football – but never baseball.
Initially he said Ohtani had agreed to cover his gambling debts. A day later, he said the player had no knowledge of the gambling debts and had not transferred any money to bookmakers, ESPN reported.
A spokesman for Ohtani said his lawyers would issue a 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,” law firm Berk Brettler LLP said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times.
When asked by ESPN after the statement was issued if he had been accused of theft, Mr Mizuhara said he was told he could not comment.
Ohtani and Mr Mizuhara have known each other for years. Pic: Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today Sports via Reuters
The Dodgers confirmed to Reuters and the Associated Press in a statement that Mr Mizuhara had been fired.
They said they were “aware of media reports and are gathering information”.
Sports betting is legal in up to 40 US states, but is still outlawed in California.
MLB rules prohibit players and team employees from gambling – even legally – on baseball and also ban betting on other sports with illegal or offshore bookmakers.
Ohtani is a pitcher and designated hitter. Pic: AP
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Ohtani signed a record-breaking $700m (£557m) deal with the LA Dodgers in December.
The 29-year-old pitcher and designated hitter agreed the historic 10-year contract with the California team after six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.
The team is in Seoul, South Korea, this week as Ohtani makes his Dodgers debut.
He had two hits and an RBI in the opening 5-2 win over the San Diego Padres in MLB’s first regular season game in the South Korean capital.
Ohtani and his wife Mamiko Tanaka. Pic: AP
Despite his global stardom, the player has remained largely media-shy.
On Thursday, however, he shared a photo of his wife on Instagram, ending weeks of speculation after revealing last month he was married.
The King has written to former US president Joe Biden after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, Buckingham Palace said
The monarch, who is undergoing his own treatment for an undisclosed cancer, hosted the 82-year-old for tea and talks at Windsor in July 2023.
Mr Biden was diagnosed on Friday, with tests revealing the cancer had spread to his bones.
The former president posted an image of himself and his wife Jill on X on Monday and wrote: “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”
The King and Joe Biden at Windsor Castle in July 2023. Pic: Reuters
The King’s letter comes after British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer”.
“All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family, and wishing the President swift and successful treatment,” he added.
Meanwhile US President Donald Trump said he was “saddened” by the news, adding: “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Former US president Barack Obama said: “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family.
“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”
Read more: Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer
Barack Obama (right) with Joe Biden at a campaign event in 2022. File pic: Reuters
After a poor debate performance against Mr Trump and amid escalating concerns around his age and fitness to serve, Mr Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential election race and endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris.
Ms Harris wrote on X after his diagnosis: “We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.
“Joe is a fighter – and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”
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Mr Biden’s diagnosis: What we know
Former US president Bill Clinton wrote on social media: “My friend Joe Biden’s always been a fighter. Hillary and I are rooting for him and are keeping him, Jill, and the entire family in our thoughts.”
Hillary Clinton, who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2016, said she was “thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they’ve done so much to try to spare other families from”.
Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson said it was “sad news” and his family “will be joining the countless others who are praying” for Mr Biden.
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Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi described Mr Biden as a “great American patriot” and said she was “praying for him to have strength and a swift recovery”.
Mr Trump’s secretary of state, Marco Rubio, wrote on social media that he and his wife were “united in prayer for the Biden Family during this difficult time”.
Politicians have sent messages of support to Joe Biden, who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The 82-year-old, who is the oldest person to ever serve as US president, was described as a “fighter” with people wishing him a “fast and full recovery”.
US President Donald Trump said he was “saddened” by the news, adding: “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Former US president Barack Obama said: “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family.
“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”
Read more: Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer
Barack Obama (right) with Joe Biden at a campaign event in 2022. File pic: Reuters
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer”.
“All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family, and wishing the President swift and successful treatment,” he added.
After a poor debate performance against Mr Trump and amid escalating concerns for his health, Mr Biden withdrew from the 2024 election and endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris.
Ms Harris wrote on X: “We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.
“Joe is a fighter – and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Mr Biden’s diagnosis: What we know
Former US president Bill Clinton wrote on social media: “My friend Joe Biden’s always been a fighter. Hillary and I are rooting for him and are keeping him, Jill, and the entire family in our thoughts.”
Hillary Clinton, who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2016, said she was “thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they’ve done so much to try to spare other families from”.
Speaker of the US House Of Representatives Mike Johnson said it was “sad news” and his family “will be joining the countless others who are praying” for Mr Biden.
Read more from Sky News:
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Gary Lineker to leave BBC next week
Listen to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim every Wednesday
Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi described Mr Biden as a “great American patriot” and said she was “praying for him to have strength and a swift recovery”.
Mr Trump’s secretary of state, Marco Rubio, wrote on social media he and his wife were “united in prayer for the Biden Family during this difficult time”.
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