Rich Eisen on What to Make of Shohei Ohtani’s Gambling Denial Statement | The Rich Eisen Show

Rich Eisen and the guys react to Shohei Ohtani’s statement denying he gambled and alleging theft by former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.
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[@stephenkogon3718]

They don't seem to understand the dynamic here that the interpreter controlled all the information being communicated and not communicated to Ohtani. His crisis reps relied entirely on the interpreter. As many previous interpreters have stated, this totally is believable that Ohtani had no idea what was going on until his interpreter finally had a one-on-one with him and fessed up.

[@TheMattTrakker]

You think Ohtani has spent 7 years in the US and has no idea what Ippei was saying? You actually think he's that stupid? Interesting take.

[@stephenkogon3718]

@@TheMattTrakkerFrom all accounts he's oblivious to stuff happening in the media. He relied on what his interpreter/friend told (or didn't tell) him directly. So many interpreters have said this is commonplace. So, yeah, I don't think he knew anything until the interpreter fessed up to him directly. That's also based on all his years with the Angels -- who everyone who dealt with him has said his personality is being oblivious to media stuff... If the Feds investigation proves otherwise, then I'll say I was wrong. But innocent until proven guilty.

[@joerose8702]

He may be innocent and I hope he is but him being oblivious to the media on the Angels was because he didn’t care about what the media said, not a lack of understanding. While on the Angels the stories were always that Shohei would carry on semi- fluent conversations in the locker room in English with teammates and coaches, but didn’t want to misspeak in public and enjoyed having a friend with him in his translator. He didn’t need the translator he wanted the translator. They would commonly reference that he speaks multiple languages and has a high level of intelligence in angels broadcasts and writings. Im a Die hard Angels fan that’s followed him very closely during his career and think that his crisis PR firm is trying to spin it to make him look like clueless victim which I struggle to believe even if he really is a victim.

[@6pingpongpang9]

@@TheMattTrakker you clearly have not had the pleasure of going to another country and learning another language. It’s not that simple and easy buddy.

[@roskypolkerkan8355]

Being at all surprised or disappointed that someone in the sports media has a problem with gambling while every channel, app and platform relentlessly pushes sports betting sites is hilarious.

[@trevorcarey3997]

Some of the clients and associates that robbed and stole money from athletes, Tim Duncan was robbed $10 million dollars, John Elway, Kareem Abul Jabbar, Kevin Garnett ect.... even Robert DeNiro lost $80 million dollars from an associate.

[@america1st721]

it's breaking the law, do you know MLB rules on illegal gambling?

[@none3769]

I lost over money gambling on baseball also

[@blainechild9068]

​@@trevorcarey3997 I watched Colin cowterd too

[@anubizz3]

@@america1st721ONLY IF THEY BET ON BASEBALL, they don't give a F if the player gambling on blackjack, boxing, dog fighting, human fighting ext,ext.

[@m_MOFU_m]

Would you ask a victim of theft how the crime was committed? Since Ohtani doesn't know the method of the crime (or can only speculate without certainty), he has no choice but to wait for the investigation results regarding Ippei. Trying to ask Ohtani about the method of the crime is just foolish-wait quietly for the investigation results. The indisputable facts are "Ippei was a liar for falsifying his background," "Ippei was more than an interpreter; he was a 'close friend'," and "Ohtani had trusted Ippei."

[@t-bone2019]

How about knowledge of the gambling debts the interpreter incurred?

[@user-cm8vn9nb7j]

最後、自分の気持ちを言った時の弱いでも悲鳴のようなため息、アレが一平さんのやった大罪です。 一平さんがやった罪は明確に捜査官が表に出すでしょう、違法賭博のその後ろ側と共に。

[@Anthony-hu3rj]

You lost me at "Ohtani doesn't know ..." How do you know what he knows and doesn't know? You don't.

[@proteuswest1084]

The assumption that he is a victim is not congruent with your desire to wait for the investigation because the investigation will determine whether he is a victim or not. It’s fair to present existing and key questions that need to be answered about this situation, and trying to present them as unfair because you believe Ohtani is an innocent victim is nearly as bad as assuming his guilt.

[@mattrider2669]

1) why did Ohtani say he paid it as a friendly gesture then first? (He didn’t realize that was a crime too) 2) why was he laughing with Ippei in the dugout after it came to light that a $4.5m transfer had been made from his accounts? You people are so batshit crazy gullible. Ohtani is facing real possibility of criminal charges.

[@suika197]

Assistant stolen money from their rich boss is more common than you think. And Ippei is like that to shohei, he's not only interpreter. He handling his business everyday.😂 DANIEL KIM said When I worked as an interpreter, I had to assist the players on just about every aspect of their daily lives. These include: opening bank accounts, taking them to DMV to get licenses, and setting up utilities. I also carried their check books on the road for clubhouse dues. Those who know his upbringing and personality know that he is an honest person. Ohtani is completely innocent👍

[@rolandmarkland6844]

You sound like a paid PR person for Ohtani.

[@whitewindbluehand]

OKAY troll lol

[@Lifewithemerson323]

Are you next to Ohtani right now? For all we know he likes torturing Koi fish.

[@23jrza]

Hmm if you look at some of his worst games from last season and check the bets from that day you would see an outrageous amount of money bet on Ohtani unders and overs for the opposing hitters.

[@23jrza]

@@rolandmarkland6844many people in these comments sound like paid PR for Ohtani.. it’s kind of strange they’re REEEALLY trying hard to convince people of this story

[@louisdesienaministries6828]

This is the problem with this video. Shohei did talk about the first release. And said he did not know what his interpreter was saying because he was speaking in English. It wasn’t until afterwards that he was told what was actually said in the meeting, and that was a lie and that’s when he discovered he was being ripped off. Apparently maybe Rich Izenne and his crew didn’t listen to the whole press release. Because this very topic of the first press release was mentioned by Shohei. And what was supposed to do? Run to the media and speak to everybody. He had to get council and get a handle on this from a legal perspective.

[@user-ev3ln7go8g]

700 million learn English!!!!!!

[@TheMattTrakker]

Ohtani's crisis management team is the one that OK'd that initial interview. So you're saying they allowed Ippei to tell a fabricated story without vetting it? The amount of stupidity and carelessness that'd need to occur from multiple parties for this story to go the way you are proposing is insane.

[@Lifewithemerson323]

Have you ran background checks on all the perverts in your church? Oops 🙊

[@213kilacali]

You guys have to understand, these ppl with platform will do everything to make it into a “scandal” coz that’s what’s exciting and gets the clicks! It’s entertainment.

[@penname4764]

Funny thing is, this all makes sense if you assume that Ippei was lying. That's why the initial story was just Ippei to cover his own butt.

[@trevorcarey3997]

There's nothing that proves Shohei is guilty of anything, he did'nt sign any check to make payments and the wire transfer were done by electronic, which Ippei had access to. People got to understand there's clients employer's and workers that embezzle and steal money from wealthy owner's all the time. Especially when a person is desperate and is in debt from grambling like Ippei, will betray his friendship and steal money (I know my own brother was addicted to gambling and would steal from our parents bank account by forging their signature) Some of the clients and associates that robbed and stole money from athletes and celebrities - Tim Duncan was robbed $20 million dollars, John Elway lost $15 million, Kareem Abul Jabbar lost $9 million, Kevin Garnett lost $78 million, Usain Bolt lost $12 million, Robert DeNiro lost $88 million dollars, Elton John lost $29 million, Billy Joel $90 million ect......All by clients, associates and even close partners.

[@carllange4297]

There's also no proof Ippei stole 4.5 million dollars but you believe that

[@shinny9]

Did you watch the press conference or just going off of headlines? lol

[@AJbruno6171]

The only question that needs to be answered now is how Ippei got access to Ohtani’s bank account and how he was able to send the wire transfer. Besides that Ohtani explained every detail needed answered and if the Feds are also going to investigate it will be stupid for Ohtani to give a statement like this and lie about the whole thing. I understand the media saying that nothing is confirmed yet we don’t know the facts for sure, but labeling Ohtani as a liar and disgracing him even after he has addressed the nation, I don’t think that’s right. Not fond of the way these guys are talking about Ohtani.

[@doris31882]

Here is what happened based on Ohtani’s statement. 1. ESPN contacted to Ohtani’s spokesperson regarding Ohtani’s, not Ippei’s, gambling involvement because the account name was Ohtani’s. 2. The spokesperson, who doesn’t speak Japanese, asked Ippei to ask Shohei what’s going on. 3. Ippei never spoke with Shohei about the inquiry and lied to the spokesperson that Shohei sent money for his friend, but later admitted the friend was actually Ippei. The whole time, Shohei didn’t know anything. 4. On 20th, Ippei told ESPN his made-up story. The whole Ohtani camp bought Ippei’s story without confirming with Shohei directly, which was a huge mistake. 5. At the team meeting on the 21st, Ippei told his made-up story in English, so Shohei found something was off but didn’t understand fully. Later that night Ippei told Shohei about gambling and debts for the first time and hoping for his mercy. But Shohei called Nez and told the truth. 6. Dodgers and the agent found out the truth FINALLY, so changed the statement and fired Ippei. This mess happened because apparently Ippei was the only window to Shohei so he could control the communication as he liked.

[@Lifewithemerson323]

So your telling me he might be gay?

[@RunForPeace-hk1cu]

@@Lifewithemerson323that’s what your boyfriend said

[@RunForPeace-hk1cu]

@@jaykawbyou didn’t read a word he wrote 😂😂😂

[@jayceh]

5) impossible since Ohtani is fluent in English.

[@campingking9784]

@@jaycehShohei English is pretty good, but not fluent.

[@atomicave]

One thing that this new interpreter didn’t translate correctly was when Ohtani said his atty had reported to the “Police”. His interpreter said “ Authorities “ Would you report to the police if it wasn’t true ? If you were gambling illegally, why would you wire directly to the illegal bookie? That don’t make sense . Also to the gentleman to the right of Rich about why the bookie would give such large credit line , I think the reason why there were 9 payments made were because Ippei had to make payments to settle the debt before getting more credit to bid. $4.5m is accumulated in a few years of total spending not the total credit line

[@jeny701005]

You got the point

[@KM-li9ow]

ESPN believed the story of the man with the mendaciousness for a gamble dependency Even if the story of the man changed, they believed this criminal I can't permit Passan

[@carllange4297]

The story to ESPN was set up by Ohtani's PR team. Quit acting like Ohtani had no one but Ippei in his corner.

[@Bob-xf8wi]

I can imagine that it's difficult for most Americans who do not know Ohtani's history and upbringing in Japan, including how he was even at the Angels to believe fully what Ohtani explained is believable and truth. But as a Japanese who have followed him in Japan and as he moved to MLB, I can attest that what he said is 100% believable. Ohtani since he was a young boy was very focused with specific goals set and worked diligently on the path to achieving them. His parents and especially his mother was instrumental in providing the support he needed so that he can focus 100% on his tasks (the baseball). This is why if you are a baseball fan in Japan, and this is a very well known story in Japan, everyone knows that Ohtani's mother took 100% control of his money (income and expenses) and the set up was simple for Ohtani in that she gave him monthly allowance of very little money. Ohtani used team dormitory and team meals 100% to focus on baseball. This is how he lived in Japan as a NPB player era. Ohtani is known to be frugal and does not spend money like normal pro athletes do. He is not interested in fashion, clothing, shoes, cars, basically not interested in tangible material stuff. Again, this is very well known in Japan about him. Ippei Mizuhara was smart in that he put himself in the position with Ohtani to take care of all of his personal duties out side of baseball so that Ohtani can just focus on baseball as he did in Japan. The identical set up that he had with his mother. Ippei was a perfect man for it and Ohtani trusted him 100%. So in this context, it is very plausible and most likely the case that Ippei had this role (similar to the role Ohtani's mother had in Japan) for Ohtani since he became MLB player. Ippei is not just a translator for Ohtani. Ippei was essentially Ohtani's personal caretaker, personal assistant, consultant, butler, driver, shopper who took care of all Ohtani's needs to live in USA. He therefore had access to Ohtani's bank accounts and was probably helping him on setting up the payables, bills for his expenses etc etc. Don't forget, Ohtani has no experience managing his own money in the past, he is also oblivious to all the living expenses especially in the USA. Ippei was the perfect friend and paid worker for him to do these tasks. In this set up, Ippei can easily transfer Ohtani's money, even 4.5 million without Ohtani knowing (again, Ohtani has been very naive, trusting and indifferent about money matters, except that he knows that he has been getting 50 to 75 million per year on endorsement and baseball contracts even in the past years, so 4.5 million may not be so significant in this light and could not be noticeable if he was trusting Ippei to manage). Agent is there to deal with the baseball contracts and he is not Japanese so he would not have known his personal contents. This is why Ippei is said to have been paid upwards of $400,000 per year to work for Ohtani, where as a regular personal translator working 9 to 5 is paid $150,000ish for a pro-athlete. Don't forget that Ippei was in all communications between Ohtani and his team members, including the team management, spokesperson, lawyers, essentially every non-Japanese speaker on his side, which is everyone except Yamamoto and Ippei. Ippei was in a perfect position to manipulate all information and communications. So you guys take a rest on speculating and jumping to conclusion about Ohtani in this situation. Eventually the investigation will shed a better light on what I am talking

[@rww71]

PR assault coming to the RE KZbin channel. Well done.

[@orobas7785]

He's not interested in fashion? Dude I live in Japan and Ohtani is plastered all over luxury clothing and cosmetics advertisements. I don't want to accuse you of running PR, but come on...

[@trevorcarey3997]

Shohei has no history of gambling, if he did he would not be in a hole racking up a $4 million dollar debt that he can't pay, he makes over $100million dollars in endorsements alone.

[@2011blueman]

What are you talking about? He was sending $500,000 wire transfers to the bookie. He sent 9 different transfers of $500,000 over a multi-year span. He pretty clearly had a history of gambling and the bookie was giving him a credit line of $500,000. Do you think a bookie is going to give an interpreter making $300,000 a year a $500,000 credit line? Hell no. Shohei was clearly lying.

[@ayakajinno8498]

@@2011bluemanI think the point op was trying to say was if ohtani was the one gambling why would he have a debt of 4.5M when he makes 60M( including endorsements)? It just does not make sense. Also he’s giving money to a bookie. AN ILLEGAL BOOKMAKER. Bro is making more from Ippei losing.

[@buddyboye4203]

​@@2011bluemanwent right over your head lol.

[@Putterboy631]

Yeah because he has "an interpreter" zero paper trail, perfect fall guy... he places bets (has his bank account information) and if it ever comes up, he is fired and exiled to a desert

[@wandameadows5736]

@trevorcarey3997 Try addressing the actual issue at hand.

[@bballmemories]

Rich...did you even listen the entire press conference? Ippei lied to Ohtani's camp and Ippei acted as Ohtani spokesperson so people in Ohtani's camp just believed him without even verifying directly with Ohtani.

[@GilbertAstorga]

Exactly!! Rich is not paying attention. I get it, he's a Yankee fan.. he wants to believe that Ohtani bet on baseball.

[@RunForPeace-hk1cu]

@@rhettsycoplando4064you stop listening and decided to draw your own conclusion based on your bias 😂😂😂😂

[@kellyqiu8791]

@@rhettsycoplando4064wtf are you even talking about?

[@kellyqiu8791]

@@rhettsycoplando4064so you speak Japanese? That’s what he said 100%?

[@rickshelton1955]

Then why haven't charges been filed against the interpreter if it was theft?

[@itssamanthaky]

I don’t think Rich and company even listened to the press conference cause Shohei explained what happened with the first story and why it was different from their stance. This is not rocket science

[@therealtombrokaw]

If you believe this story you need to explain how a bookie gives a regular dude a 5m line of credit. And do it without looking like a moron. Bookie only gives a RICH guy that much credit.

[@nolimitsuk]

@@therealtombrokawBeing a publicly known close best friend to the most valuable athlete in the world seems like a good reason to give some extra line of credit.

[@japaniagua]

@@therealtombrokawIt was an illegal operation. They’re not following “The Bookie Handbook” 😂

[@archie15900]

@@therealtombrokaw Regular Dude? He's best friend and interpreter for the ball player that just signed a 700 million dollar deal? What bookie is not going to jump all over that.

[@nolimitsuk]

@@thatoldagencyguy Well, you’re the expert in illegal bookkeeping I guess.

[@user-vf5rh2tu3x]

Why are people struggling to wrap their heads around this story? Ohtani's statement answered most of the questions. Ippei was much more to him than just an interpreter. He had access to his money and he completely betrayed Ohtani. Stop trying to make this into something it's not.

[@Lifewithemerson323]

@@sk1nz28exactly bro. Ohtani is a gambler as well.

[@christianpruss]

It could very well be true that Ohtani didn't see the 4.5 million taken from him and he doesn't monitor his finances. If that is true, then he pays someone to do that, and ain't no way a financial guy didn't notice 4.5 million outgoing and not ask any questions.... be real

[@TheMattTrakker]

Because that's ridiculous. You need more than access to money to complete a wire transfer. Anyone who's ever had to do one would know that. Even if Ippei had access to his money, how did none of Ohtani's financial team notice $4.5m missing and multiple $500k transactions to someone as "loans".

[@shaidot6502]

Always the holy rich and evil poor. How do we know Ippei wasn't the one betrayed by Ohtani? We're still waiting for all the facts.

[@xavierb9061]

Have to believe guy had access to funds, and ohtani who gave access to him gave no one else to monitor the funds

[@Atsuya02]

Ippei was the one who changed his "story" not ohtani. This is the first actual "story" that ohtani made.

[@tryingtobefairandobjective3480]

Fine. 4.5 million is not something anyone knows missing. 9 payments.

[@Atsuya02]

@@tryingtobefairandobjective3480 well most people doesn't really pay attention to small stuff.... maybe that small stuff is money for someone like ohtani who has millions?

[@Boodie_ooo]

As someone that pays quarterly taxes... You have to pay out anywhere from 25 to 35% of your yearly income and make payments quarterly. So they said ohtani made around 90 million last year. So it's safe to assume he paid 6.7million roughly every quarter. Is it that hard to imagine that a half a million dollar transaction gets glossed over. Sheesh

[@japaniagua]

@@Boodie_oooHe’s not a US citizen. He’s here on a visa. Not subject to the same tax laws as a citizen.

[@RajDeelish]

@@tryingtobefairandobjective3480 If you have $100 dollars in the bank, are you going to miss 50 cents?

[@user-xn8in8pq7k]

It is true that Ippei lied about his background. It's deadly

[@trevorcarey3997]

The original story was from Ippei not Shohei, and then Ippei recanted, he has a history of gambling and also a known liar. In 2018 Ippei claims that he graduated from the University of California-Riverside in 2007, and also claimed he workedcl as an interpreter for the Red Sox in 2012.

[@RajDeelish]

@@trevorcarey3997 Exactly. All of Ohtani's teams of people are being influenced by Ippei.

[@dougphamtexas2707]

@@trevorcarey3997 exactly.....and if after the investigation if they found evidence to the contrary then thats where we can make up our own minds.....if OHTANI is involved or not...so far NO EVIDENCE even the lawyer for the bookie said never met SHOHEI

[@tonyswe9463]

Agree. Ippei is a liar

[@Ohsotani]

Did anyone on this show including Rich actually listen to the press conference ? It’s pretty clear that the PR guy (from CAA Sports?) only spoke to Ippei before the interview and never spoke with Shohei to confirm the inquiry from ESPN. It was only after the clubhouse meeting that Shohei heard the story from Ippei where Ippei confessed he lied. That is when Shohei called the PR guy into his room and the PR guy heard the story about the lie. According to the Japanese media, Ippei was still in Shohei’s room when the PR guy came in. Thus, the PR guy called ESPN and denied everything Ippei had said in the interview the previous day. What’s not to understand? This whole saga was created by PR guy and ESPN believing in Ippei’s story without confirming with Shohei . At the end, it boils down to Ippei’s story vs Shohei’s story. The most critical point is why Ippei , of all the people, never told Shohei about the interview with ESPN.

[@xgl175]

I believe Ohtani

[@user-ll9qk2el4d]

I remember back when Rich Eisen used to say that "everything Ohtani does is above board" by the way he plays and by the way he carries himself. How quickly they turn on you. Had Rich listened to Ohtani's explanation yesterday, he clearly stated that he wasn't aware of Ippei's interview to say that Ohtani paid off his gambling debt. He only sensed something was wrong when Ippei addressed the whole team after the game. The players' reactions were, "so what you have a gambling problem?" Ippei only told Ohtani what happened after they got back to the hotel and had a one-on-one conversation. That's the reason they were laughing in the dugout together as if nothing happened, beause Ohtani wasn't aware of anything at that time. So much for Ohtani being such a generous guy and agreeing to take pictures with Rich and his son at the Ram's football game. I think Rich should delete the images, because who wants to be reminded of what a deceitful human being and gambling addict Ohtani is?

[@56a326n]

I totally agree with you.

[@swchri1264]

It's on Ohtani for not taking questions, Rich is just doing his job trying to make sense of a confused situation. If Ohtani wants to stop speculation he should take questions

[@user-ll9qk2el4d]

@@swchri1264 It seems that many people have already made up their minds whether he took questions or not. Some people even rationalized that it's another proof that he is lying, because he read from a prepared statement. That's just ridiculous. I predict that even if authorities and MLB find no evidence against Ohtani and clear his name, people will say it's all a cover up.

[@chu1402]

It’s Rich’s fault for not listening to the conference even though he says he’s so interested in this situation. Ohtanis team has only known the real truth for 3 days ohtani prob doesn’t even know yet to what extent ippei has been lying and stealing. It could be much more than what was originally found.

[@SP-ve1im]

Tim Duncan lost 20m or more from his advisor so it is doable that someone close to you can take money easily.

[@RajDeelish]

And that's between two people that speak English. There's no way Ohtani is navigating an American bank website to wire money.

[@qvash8517]

Kareem Abdul Jabbar was also a victim of theft from his accountant for years!

[@love-forex]

Think about it, why would someone whose money was stolen without knowing it, need to prove how it was stolen? After all, you guys want Otani gone, don't you? The problem is that you're basing your story on the statements of a lying interpreter.

[@naxos41]

Ohtani himself never vetted Ippei's initial story. It was Ohtani's "representative" (a crisis manager sent from CAA) who initially supported Ippei's version by allowing him to speak with ESPN. In yesterday's press conference, Ohtani said that he had not been aware of the communication between Ippei and the crisis manager, as it had never been reported to him at the time. Therefore, there has never been a "change" or "reversal" of the story, as far as Ohtani himself is concerned. An irony is, if such a communication had occurred, it would have been mediated by Ippei as the interpreter. In addition, the real first version Ippei told to the representative was that the debt was his friend's and not his. If so, the theory that Ohtani knowingly paid the debt becomes even less credible. In any case, the crisis manager made a huge blunder by not bringing in a third-party interpreter immediately after the suspicion regarding Ippei arose. The question of how Ippei stole the money remains, but figuring it out is a duty tasked to the police, FBI or IRS, not to Ohtani or his camp. At this moment, Ohtani's version of story sounds consistent and plausible.

[@archie15900]

i was confused by the original story but Ohtani's explanation cleared up that confusion. Obviously I can't attest to the honesty of it but his explanation makes perfect sense. When the one person you need to communicate with everyone in your professional life (and was your confidante since you were a teen) is lying to you, to the team and to the media about the situation, it's going to take a minute to clear up the confusion.

[@cathyl6620]

Ohtani's team was told by Mizuhara that Ohtani agreed to pay the debt. His team made a mistake by not checking with Ohtani directly using another interpreter.

[@ReadOasis]

This is the first time I have seen Rich report on something without completely understanding the information that is currently available. A swing and a miss Rich.

[@jeny701005]

Agreed

[@yngnation]

Ippei is the one who lied about his educational background & work experience on his resume. I believe Shohei over Ippei. The bookie, Bowyer said through his lawyer that he never met, spoke with or had any contact with Shohei; if Ippei was placing bets on Shohei’s behalf, why would Shohei make payments from his account when he could just pay Ippei to pay the bookie?!

[@simoncheng5665]

all these bozos on sports shows already paint Shohei guilty is just ridiculous

[@neilwang1924]

Reminds me of the “real life gone girl” case.

[@Lifewithemerson323]

The same they said about Trevor Bauer I don’t see you defending a real innocent man. Oops 🙊

[@23jrza]

I think people are just questioning this whole thing cuz a lot of it just doesn’t add up

[@chu1402]

@@23jrzait’s been less than a week. Go to the bank and ask where your $20 went and they’ll prob get back to you a month. We are talking abt millions right now. It’s a process to figure these things out.

[@terry8451]

Are you guys sure you listened to the whole press statement? I thought what most you guys questioned on the show was explained and what Ohtani did not elaborate on is because he cannot say due to a criminal investigation. I love this show but I am disappointed with it today. I recall you are innocent until proven guilty. People seem to have forgotten that and media have turned into a lynch mob. What a sad day to be human.

[@mika6657]

I completely agree with you. These guys are talking nonsense!!!

[@tobyreek6391]

the e-transfers happened in Sept-Oct 2023. What was Shohei doing? Getting surgery and on pain meds. Shohei relied on Ippei while Shohei was on pain meds. Easy to get hoodwinked. Tax Accountants won't realize missing funds until tax season due in April 2024. It's not April yet, so the tax accountants also could be out of the loop.

[@micnak3574]

Most Americans are clueless as to what kind of human Ohtani is. His reputation based on his past karma is impeccable. He is a victim of his interpreter’s reckless gambling habits and the lies to cover his bad deeds. Ohtani is naive to trust this man to have an access to one of his bank accounts. To question Ohtani about gambling is insulting. I feel so badly for him. He did nothing wrong but had to answer questions.

[@qvash8517]

Ohtani has never impressed me as a money-obsessed guy which is what gambling is. He lived in the dorms for goodness sake! But jealous haters will hate.

[@trevorcarey3997]

Ippei first met Shohei while interpreting for the Fighters in 2013 when he was 19 years old, and they were like brother's Ippei even said he spent more time with Shohei then his own wife because the schedule and travel. Shohei gave Ippei alot of trust and access to all his private and personal informatuon, including his finances. I just saw an interview on Jeffrey J. Hall show he said, Is it hard to believe that Ippei Mizuhara had access to Shohei Ohtani's bank account? No. It's quite plausible and normal, says Katsunori Kojima, a former interpreter for the Mets/Giants. He handled financial transactions himself for players because of the trust and the schedule they have.

[@pico4124]

You are absolutely right!

[@Lifewithemerson323]

So Ohtani might be gay too lol 😂

[@Onlybadtakes2589]

So it turns out Ippei lied about his education and been translating on Ohtani behalf yikes. I would take Ohtani side in this since why would this guy even care about sports betting when he is getting paid millions from sponsorships and only thinks about baseball

[@paulwilliams7103]

Pitching Ninja KZbin Channel is also a lawyer and he gave his legal take on his statements. It is probably the best analysis on this story I have seen yet. I believe Ohtani is innocent.

[@lahellight4337]

7:53 " because Ohtani's camp had to know what the interpreter was saying to ESPN" NOPE. Ippei was the one that was going to Ohtani's camp and telling them what was being said on ESPN. Shohei can somewhat talk baseball in the dugout with his teammates in english because they're talking about BASEBALL - the other stuff - legal, gambling, banking , wire transfer stuff in english is way over his head - so they RELIED on Ippei to tell them what was going on. Even when Ippei was giving his speech to the whole team, Ohtani had no clue what was going on . Ippei had a 1 on 1 talk with Shohei AFTER game 1 of the seoul series , AFTER Ippei already told his 1st version of the story to ESPN. and THAT's when Shohei found out what the speech and that espn interview was really about. Ippei fessed up to Shohei in KOREA. AFTER THE 1ST game. AND that's when Shohei released his statement about Ippei stealing from him. the 1st version was all Ippei's and Shohei's team had no real knowledge of what it was about. Shohei's side released the statement AFTER Ippei had his talk with shohei and shohei's team contacted his lawyers. so it's not 2 versions. it's Ippei's version vs Shohei's version. also, Ippei was more of a personal assistant than just a interpreter. they were always together attached to the hip since Shohei was 18. and SHAME ON YOU RICH for not doing ANY RESEARCH on this and just going along with the conspiracy nut theory and trying to blame the Victim of betrayal and theft that occured rather than the actual thief. i CAN NOT BELIEVE THE RHETORIC IN SPORTS MEDIA IS NOT HOW SHOHEI GOT SCAMMED. - HOW THAT WAS POSSIBLE , IPPEI'S MOTIVE ETC. - BUT ACTUALLY TRYING TO PIN THE BLAME ON OHTANI WHO WAS ROBBED OF 4.5 MILLION IF NOT MORE!! THERE'S NO CASE AGAINST OHTANI. IF THE ISSUE IS ABOUT HOW IPPEI GOT OHTANI'S ACCOUNT - IT'S SIMPLE. IPPEI WAS A PERSONAL ASSISTANT WHO HAD TO SET UP OHTANI'S ACCOUNT WITH THE BANK, WHO HAD TO GET CONSENT FROM OHTANI EVERYTIME OHTANI WENT TO THE HOSPITAL, THE DMV, THE BANK, BUY A HOUSE, BUY A CAR, GET A CREDIT CARD, IN THE US - BECAUSE SHOHEI DOESNT KNOW ENGLISH!!! IPPEI HAD TO BE THERE FOR ALL OF IT - AND HE CLEARLY HAD A WAY TO ACCESS OHTANI'S ACCOUNT TO CARRY OUT ALL THESE TASKS!!!

[@Keeazul]

Eisen and Friends are really enjoying the situation and trying to make it even more enjoyable for their living no matter what Shohei said or didn’t say. It’s exactly like a free buffet venue in a cheap hotel in China. Except some with rationale and integrity, people are rushing into yummy looking foods and staying at the service tables fighting for more and more, screaming. Even worse, unlike “real”foods, those media can create “yummy materials” from their very own mouths by just saying “still suspicious”or I” don’t believe him”until they get bored. Even the law or truth has no meaning than the utensils to keep eating “scandals” to them. Ohtani is wise and knew them already, came out with the statement bravely and effectively but still no avail before the awakened“scandal mongers”. Sad to do“righteous journalist” for living.

[@tobyreek6391]

Folk DO NOT UNDERSTAND illegal bookmakers. BOOKMAKERS want gamblers to get into debt, even 4.5 million in debt such as Ippei who is close to Shohei. In debt? Now COMPROMISED! Reason: #1: Ippei has insider knowledge about baseball and can give insider information. #2: Ippei can get desperate and take money from Shohei, i.e. embezzlement.

[@JB-5150]

The First story was from the Interpreter and Not Ohtani. And Ohtani turned it over to the police. HELLLLLOOOOOO

[@ericxyliu]

Ya exactly, people keep thinking the first story of Ohtani paying off Ippei's debt was true simply because it came out first. When clearly that was all from Ippei alone who has shown to be a gambler/liar. Ohtani repeated stated he had no idea what's going on until Ippei spoke to the team in the locker room. This is the first time we heard any statement directly from Ohtani about this story.

[@MrJking065]

The first story was approved by Ohtani and his team. Do not get use to seeing Ohtani in Dodger Blue. You will be seeing him in Jump Suit Orange.

[@thebourg]

@@ericxyliuso you honestly believe that he had $500k taken our of his account multiple times and he had no idea what was going on?

[@hidetoshitakahashi3881]

Remember, Ippei didn't talk to Ohtani nor the Dodgers before he had a phone interview with ESPN. Ippei wanted to establish " the fact" with ESPN to protect himself. And it's a right thing to turn it over to the authorities. If you believe you're innocent, you will do the same, won't you?

[@MrJking065]

@@hidetoshitakahashi3881 Either you are just a Dodgers Fanboy. Or you are just being a willful pawn being paid to post stuff like this.

[@rabbitcreekjk]

As a Japanese speaker, I don't see any sign of lying from what and how Shohei spoke yesterday. I believe him.

[@hillogical]

Not that he's lying, but I'd believe it more if it were under oath.

[@Tank4Life]

Umm. Yeah thanks for your useless input.

[@Seigerootz]

Someone at your show Rich needs to a better job researching this for your team because its very muddy and working off bad information as a major sports talking head is juat disinformation. Its been reported multiple times and even said in the presser Ohtani was not aware of the entire situation until after the first game when Ippei addressed the team and then has a 1 on 1 with Ohtani. Simple questions that you ask framing doubt of situation have been addressed by multiple parties of the situation, Ippei, Shohei, the bookies legal representation, and it's a bad look when a leader in sports news coverage doesnt know these things.

[@jdramaqueen4369]

It doesn't really matter whether you can believe it or not. Your opinion is not fact.

[@blitztim6416]

Ohtani explained everything other than how Ippei had access to his account. I don’t understand why these guys are still confused about why the story changed.

[@TheMattTrakker]

Because they're not naive children.

[@broman74dude95]

Media propaganda and conspiracy theories from these guys wanted so bad for Ohtani to fail - to make a story that is not there. They just can not see that Ippei is admitted lair and degenerate gambler - and fraudster. It’s unbelievable @RichEisen is so hard-on to getting Ohtani on something Ippei says Ohtani has nothing to do with. I’ll keep 🧾 for Rich when Ohtani is cleared by investigatio

[@GATTYO55]

Ohtani took the biggest legal gamble of playing two-way in the major leagues. He also took on a bet that he would marry a woman who was a famous basketball player in Japan, and he won. Why should he bet on illegal sports? He is addicted to baseball. He didn't make any illegal bets. He was betrayed by the interpreter he trusted like a brother. The interpreter was Otani's manager who supported his daily life.

[@Putterboy631]

What a great fairytale movie... But in Reality, you know, the legal world, where facts and Truth will prevail... There are too many gaps in the story. The reason why it is so hard to commit crimes in groups (more than 1 person) because people talk, more people will come forward and this will be one of the biggest scandals in baseball

[@leonoreogawa9630]

Why do you doubt Shohei more than Ippei? Don’t you realize that addicts are all liars be it gambling, alcohol or drugs. Have some faith in Shohei and not Ippei whose own wife didn’t know 😮

[@adamcoe]

I know many addicts who, while they do have flaws, are not liars. Addiction is a very complicated issue and painting everyone with the brush of "oh well they're all degenerates who are completely off the rails and can't be trusted" is more than a little disingenuous.

[@Sunygal95]

As a Japanese, I know Ohtani will never speak to those who doubt him now. Royalty, trust, respect, all these things means a lot to Japanese. Thank you Dodgers and Angels team for supporting Ohtani in this difficult time.❤ We still believe and love America here in Japan. We’ll never forget how you helped us when earthquakes and tsunami hit. Operations Tomodachi❤ Please don’t destroy Shouhei😢He’s still just a boy who wants to play and win.

[@terminallychill9580]

I believe shohei

[@stranger333k]

His INTERPRETER CHANGED THE STORY...Ohtahni didnt change anything but his interpreter...why is that even an issue..

[@BourneIdentity45]

Rich is proving here that a lot of the time what ever comes out first is what people will usually believe even if its fake, its about not being able to destroy an idea in someone's head once its been created regardless of the eventual evidence that may come out, a lot of people will be set on the first story because it was the first one vs the second story. And it's also how the media works nowadays too where most of the time people are more focused on being first instead of factual and honest

[@suika197]

Do you believe the story Ippei told? A symptom of gambling addiction is repeating lies.😂 Ohtani is the １００％ victim, Those who know his upbringing and personality know that he is an honest person. Ohtani believed that he should be trusted as a person rather than as a player.

[@RichardSanchez137]

Did you notice how Ohtani was acting when the interpreter was talking? he was fidgeting

[@suika197]

@@RichardSanchez137 Because Ohtani was angry with Ippei.

[@richardcranium5801]

Is he supposed to be totally relaxed and comfortable in such a situation?

[@RichardSanchez137]

@@suika197 nah that's guilt

[@RichardSanchez137]

@richardcranium5801 he's got terrible PR/handlers. They should have had someone stand in the back and told Ohtani to focus only on me

[@kamiageonakmas7078]

Ippei's last gamble 1.ESPN inquires to Otani's agent about money transfer to the bookmaker 2. The agent asks Ippei about the money transfer. 3. Ippei did not tell Otani about the inquiry, but replied to the agent that Otani had taken over his debt. 4. Ippei tells the same answer to Dodgers officials 5. Ippei willingly accepts an interview with ESPN and explains his own story to the world 6. Ippei also tells his own story to the Dodgers players, but does not tell it to Otani in Japanese. 7. Ippei went back to the hotel and tried to wheedle Otani. 8. Otani knows this false story for the first time and calls his agent. 9. Using another interpreter, Otani explains the truth to his agent and Dodgers officials, and they are astonished. 10. Ohtani's agent asks ESPN not to report the story because Ippei is telling a lie, but is ignored.

[@carllange4297]

Well you got your yoga in for the day with all that stretching

[@yuya2462]

Never underestimate Shohei. He's given more than 100% to the game, sharing his story to the fullest. Despite skepticism from some in the media and public, they struggle to grasp Shohei's philosophy at its highest level, unable to keep pace with his extraordinary mindset and ideals. Show respect for Shohei.

[@rlee0141]

Sounds like Rich didn't watch the entire presser

[@tjdastunna7563]

Lmao!! He clearly said that the guy was lying. How are you confused?! The interpreter doesn’t work for him no more. He’s was no longer apart of his camp when he made those statements.

[@kami_in_the_skye]

He literally was tho.

[@rickdeckard9810]

Its also possible the bookie gave his interpreter the line of credit after seeing the funds come from Ohtani's account. All the while Ohtani who probably doesn't check his balance as frequently as poor people I mean why should he, he makes 50M off the field alone he has to check to make sure he has enough? Ippei has been caught lying throughout his life, to the press, on his resumé to Ohtani, steals from his friend and throws him under the bus. This guy is something.

[@Defender88664]

From my understanding Ippei, spoke on Shohei's behalf telling the representatives for Ohtani and media that Ohtani was paying off the debt as a friend. This was not the case. Ippei used his position to harm Ohtani. Otani didn't give Ippei any bank information, ippei just used ohtani's word as leverage to pay it

[@Defender88664]

with that being said. Ohtani being this cooperative with law enforcement to resolve says a lot that he's trying to resolve this just as much as we are

[@Harcorwrestler]

But money was transferred from Ohtani’s bank account to the illegal bookie. So which is it? Did Ohtani help Ippei or did the bank didn’t call Ohtani himself to verify if the funds that were being sent were coming from him?

[@jessegiii6737]

@@Harcorwrestler The obvious these are just dodger fans That don't want it to be true Or either just dumb and naive

[@Defender88664]

@@jessegiii6737 mate you have to realize that if Ohtani is taking it to a federal investigation, and he is lying. Then Ohtani is in more trouble than just admitting he gambled. If he truly was guilty, he would’ve just said no comment or not said anything. Anything can and will be used against you in court, so if Ohtani says anything and lies. He’ll be charged with a federal crime and be sent to federal prison instead of just a ban from baseball. Really think about these things before you just say stuff like “oh boo hoo dodger fan.”

[@Defender88664]

@@Harcorwrestler ippei speaks for Ohtani. There could’ve been something lost in translation. He could’ve told the bookie that Ohtani was betting when in actuality he wasn’t because it got lost. Ippei has a history of lying it seems like with his career and education. This would allow the bookkeeper to credit him that much money. Second, if Ohtani is spoken for and Ohtani treated him like family, and ippei told his representatives that he was helping him. Who wouldn’t believe him? There are several cases of close assistants scamming celebrities they work for.

[@nihongochopsocky808]

So I guess you don't believe now that Ohtani has a 700 mil contract,Ohtani basically has no true friends he can trust anymore? Let me clarify for you, Ippei was more than an interpreter, he was pretty much babysitter, taking care of all of Ohtanis business so Ohtani just gotta worry about baseball.He helped Ohtani to open his account, yes he probably did have access to the account and Ohtanis trust. It looking like there are ALOT of salty Angels fans, fans and executives who were pissed he didn't go to their team, and just plain Dodgers haters!😂 Well see in time what the investigation brings out.I guess Ohtani in all your books is guilty until proven innocent huh?Even if Ohtani is found of no wrong doing, you'll never let it go.Youll just continue making up stories for your podcast and news!SMH!

[@judefachop]

This video is a perfect example of the problem with "full-time talkers". We used to have sayings like "benefit of the doubt" and "innocent until proven guilty", but when you talk all day every day, those sayings don't give you much content and so you end up with what you see here - sports fans morphing into PhD bookie researchers, finance experts, and a showing of blatant disregard to how this type of story isn't unheard of in the entertainment industry throughout the decades.

[@cj7967]

Rich you have one job man. Listen to the whole press conference and he mentions why that first story was released. That’s a problem with you reporters you guys hear one page from the whole book and assume the rest of the story.

[@comets4sale]

Ohtani press conference came across loud, clear, and credible. Not sure what Rich is missing here. The most you can hold against Ohtani is having the bad luck of trusting his day-to-day affairs to someone like Ippei.

[@lionjark]

Ohtani goes to his representation thru Mizahara... That's the part Rich missed.

[@brenttiesma9101]

My impression is that the interpreter was controlling the narrative and that the initial statement was one based on info he gave, not Shohei. He tried his best to keep the charade up and probably thought a ‘he covered the debts’ for me was enough to keep the heat off. He just didn’t realize how rabid news outlets are for this kind of story. I’m team Shohei on this one.

[@JesusEsDios007]

Ohtani answered everything. You guys are being cynical and evil.

[@Vontastic80sbaby1]

No you're a child. 1. Ohtani said he mother has always handled his finances 2. His interpreter makes 6 figures no bookie would let him run up 4.5 mill tab

[@e.m8817]

Obviously, the interpreter would not incriminate himself.... but when he realized that they got him.... then the translator told the truth.... Ohtani does not see to be guilty...

[@barkingsquirrel1751]

I saw Eisen's broadcast yesterday & it was Eisen and his cronies fishing for "like clicks" statements for social media outlets. How many stories do you know about sport figures who make millions of dollars & getting ripped off by agents or whoever was close to the athlete? GET REAL FOR A CHANGE EISEN !!!

[@Boodie_ooo]

"I have no idea what to believe" is the theme here So they wont believe Ippei So they wont believe Shohei And they said they not gonna believe MLB to be honest So basically they not gonna trust anyone... for a long time. And even then they wont fully believe it. lol

[@scottmonty1828]

Without a doubt I believe him that money was stolen out of his account. Because if he was going to pay off his friends gambling debt he would have taken $2million straight out of his account in one shot not $500,000.....4 different times. Who does that that has lots of money? 💰 💰 💰 💰 💰 💰 💰 💰 💰

[@user-yl6xn1zc2t]

I'm Japanese and I discovered this program some time ago, then registered it and used Google's translation function to enjoy viewing it. I want to believe that Google's translation was wrong this time. And I want to believe that the translation of this sentence is correct 😉

[@amanomana]

Money was sent during Sho's most hard time last year.His thought is only baseball.

[@captainkangaroo4301]

Your assumption that Ohtani had to be aware what his interpreter said to ESPN is based on opinion not evidence.

[@user-wp6tg7bh3k]

Ippei has a habit of lying. This story begins with a lie.

[@jasonleetaiwan]

People are against Ohtani partly because he is on the Dodgers.

[@SamWesting]

People who have something to hide but don’t want to be caught in a lie will give qualifying statements, like I never placed a bet…this year. Or I didn’t bet on anything…while in Japan. Shohei flat out said he didn’t bet on anything, period. So he’s adamant & leaves himself wide open for scrutiny, if he’s lying…which I don’t think is the case.

[@RajDeelish]

That's ridiculous. What do you want him to say? "maybe I bet". "I did bet" or "I'm not telling"?

[@SamWesting]

@@RajDeelish Your examples are too obvious. There are ways of people more intelligently hedging their answers, esp. in a presser where no questions are taken. Politicians trying to promote legislation do it almost all the time, coming up w/responses to evade giving direct answers to tough questions.

[@trevorcarey3997]

The original story was from Ippei not Shohei, and then Ippei recanted, he has a history of gambling and also a known liar. In 2018 Ippei claims that he graduated from the University of California-Riverside in 2007, and also claimed he workedcl as an interpreter for the Red Sox in 2012.

[@airsicklowlander7756]

I believe theyre saying the story from Ohtani’s side is that Ippei went straight to the Dodgers and Shohei’s agent and lied that Shohei knew and was just bailing out a buddy. It wasn’t until after the ESPN interview and Ohtani himself found out that he disputed Ippei’s story.

[@Breathe64]

Rich, did you actually listened to his statements? His statement pretty much answered most of your questions. You should listen to it again.

[@eitomars]

PR stuff and his agent was communicated through Ippei. Of cause Ippei didn't tell Shohei the true story. Sounds like Ippei manipulated whole thing to cover up his gambling debt.

[@McNair-eo8ee]

Stop insinuating things, Rich. You and your team are looking desperate here

[@tatatatatatata7]

Beyond Desperate

[@romulodelmendo8361]

These guys are so self aggrandizing by assuming Shohei and his team watch and monitor ESPN 24/7. Shohei would have no clue what the translator told ESPN.

[@endadaly5514]

Brockman... You're bad takes are often funny.... This time I think you're just being dangerous

[@carlosvader77]

It's all too weird. But I have two main issues hanging over my head: - Ohtani, if he bets, why would he go to an illegal bookie? No need - Why is this the only case we are hearing about. You are telling me that the only MLB player caught in a gambling controversy is the japanese phenom that doesn't even speak English?

[@qvash8517]

Good point - legal bookies and Vegas are widely available

[@gregthegroove]

NOTHING Rich. Nothing. DROP IT ALREADY Rich. Not everything is a conspiracy theory for the love of all that’s holy. There’s nothing *to make* chief. He told you what happened. He got swindled and move on.

[@Dr._Wan___PharmD]

We are innocent until proven guilty. Those who believe Ohtani bet on sports and should be ostracized from baseball is purely biased.

[@shedflips]

If you ignore the fact that 4.5 million was wired from Ohtani to a bookie then what you say is correct.

[@thomasS9676]

Of course he’s going to deny it!

[@befairmonk5988]

Dodger's crisis management team got info from Ohtani through Ippei. That is the key. Ippei can control what information get to Ohtani & what comes out of Ohtani's mouth can be modified. We just believed the statement made by a lier. And obviously, we are going with it because you get more click out of it. In a way, you are also responsible.

[@ZacharyJohnG]

I’m (Zach in Japan) hearing from people around me that the interpreter in that press conference didn’t r e a l l y explain everything he said…

[@lawrencewang5429]

You didn’t get much, Rich?

[@zhuliyang3225]

This is n't about believe, it's about trust. They don't trust him and they don't believe him. I trust a boy who went thru Japan HS baseball all the way to Major become superstar is clean. If he grow up the hood in US, I won't surprise it happen. with Ippei lied about School and Experience. You know Shohei stay clean.

[@noname-dk7ri]

New interpreters take notes on what is being said and translate, but I don't think I have ever seen Mizuhara do that. That alone raised the question of whether Mizuhara was a competent interpreter.

[@michellechiba]

The translator did not convey the gravity of Ohtani’s statements & he basically summarized Ohtani’s words . He did not translate word for word. Anyone who speaks both the language would have been able to tell that some of Ohtani’s message was lost in translation.

[@tjw7393]

Exactly

[@pahtahrr5548]

The way to do it is... Believe a good man until he has proven not to be trusted. GL

[@user-sx5yl9vd5k]

initial statement (or Story #1) was from Ippei, never came from Ohtani's camp. If the investigation proved otherwise, that Shohei was directly or indirectly involved, then that's the END of Shohei's career. Until then, assume innocent until proven guilty.

[@suika197]

This is the answer Power of Attorney(POA)　or check writing privileges Ohtani is completely innocent👍 DANIEL KIM said When I worked as an interpreter, I had to assist the players on just about every aspect of their daily lives. These include: opening bank accounts, taking them to DMV to get licenses, and setting up utilities. I also carried their check books on the road for clubhouse dues.

[@bensimpson9175]

It's like the media purposefully leaves parts of the story out EVERY time they cover it in order to perpetuate the intrigue and manufacture clickable content. And I must be the smartest hooman to see it.

[@ykistler1570]

How can he wire or transfer that kind of money without the bank account holders account? There is a daily limit unless you go to your bank and confirm your ID.

[@fatdumplins]

The key question that’s not being asked here is when did he discover that he was being robbed? If he states that it was prior to yesterday then there is only one conclusion.

[@FlyingSkyy]

yeah this show is a lost cause. everything is already laid out and critical thinking doesn't exist with these guys. they keep bringing up the bs from the first article when it's irrelevant already. can't watch these guys anymore.

[@rosso-lb9me]

Glad this show is not trying to help espn and mlb sweep this under the rug. If you are going to punish others for gambling, every player should be held accountable

[@mikitee614]

Rich is saying this easily but he has no ideas how Shohei feels from this such a shocking thing. Don’t talk like this man.

[@patouwhale]

Guess Ohtani will never do an interview with Rick

[@shaindaman13]

The issue you’re having comes from Ippei being the go-between with Shohei and the Handlers (if you will) from the beginning. Ippei thought initially that he could snow Shohei whenever and twist Shohei’s replies around to their questioning. Because Shohei trusted him implicitly and they knew that as well. This entire thing came about because Shohei started to catch on that something wasn’t right. Like he said, he had no translator on his side initially but started to pick up on it. Once he did, he said wait a minute, this isn’t what we talked about. He then immediately got with his lawyers and the Dodgers. Only then did the story change. It would have been one story if Ippei were not misleading Shohei. Put yourself in his shoes. He didn’t feel like he needed to understand every single nuance of what Ippei was saying because getting hurt by ippei was the last thing he expected

[@michaelnally9158]

Rich feels like he’s locked in on the right kind of questions to keep asking. Gonna keep coming back to him

[@RajDeelish]

Ohtani's Crisis Team, Legal Team, and other Representatives are basically Ippei, so you can't say Ohtani changes the story. His teams of people are getting a sketchy translation.