"Say It Ain't Sho!"- Rich Eisen Dives into the Changing Stories in the Ohtani Gambling Scandal

Rich Eisen tries to make sense of the changing narratives in the shocking Shohei Ohtani gambling scandal.
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[@jamesgoss1860]

The most shocking part of this whole story is that ESPN just achieved some major investigative journalism.

[@cheffman7127]

I mean they never released the interview

[@broman74dude95]

Not really. The FBI provided the tip to ESPN. They interviewed Ippei for 90 minutes. Ippei admitted to everything. Ohtani’s lawyer found something or new information that led them to say “theft”

[@TelpPov]

It's not journalism when you take the word from the criminal himself. It's a frank conversation at best if Ippei isn't lying which i doubt.

[@jamesgoss1860]

The journalism they achieved was 1) viewing and confirming the wire transfers took place in Ohtani's name, 2) setting up and conducting an interview with Ippei, 3) going back to Ohtani's camp to tell them they're running the story, 4) pointing out that the story from Ohtani's camp changed from one day to the next as a result of the interview, 5) pointing out that Ippei changed his story, 6) disclosing the timeline of events in news story.

[@cheffman7127]

@jamesgoss1860 good point

[@justcliff3261]

The Dodgers: “don’t gamble” Shohei: “what did they say?” The interpreter: “oh, nothing important”

[@edomarpez1840]

lmfao!!! they should pin your comment

[@primeminister66]

Super ILL comment fr

[@johnchedsey1306]

Best comment.

[@wesleywinfield686]

actually fucking laughed in the middle of a meeting reading this.

[@justcliff3261]

@@wesleywinfield686 sorry man i apologize hope your meeting went well

[@angelmatos9143]

The stench of our hypocrisy is unbearable. We constantly promote gambling like it's Black Friday & Christmas and then we act 'shocked'. 😎

[@5504berry]

Spot on

[@Flakbait888]

"WE" don't. ESPN, NBC, NFL, etc do. They are enemies of "US".

[@sayyanhmuong737]

facts

[@Doz899]

WE are regular people who can gamble if we want, ohtani is not a regular guy, we should be "shocked" because hes a pro player whos gambling and this is a straightforward rule that was broken by the golden child, also i think people are "shocked" because he was such a dumbass to not do a better job hiding it/got caught, im honestly not suprised one bit and theres probs many other players out there who are doing it and arent getting caught sorry i dont know if i understand your comment correctly maybe i am off topic of your point

[@angelmatos9143]

@@Doz899 One race, the human race

[@michaelmilsom9518]

Jason Kelce explained very simply why players should not bet. If you find yourself in a hole....suddenly you are leaned on to make a 'play' for the bookie and then magically your debt to them goes away. It is very unwise if you are a player to bet or gamble in anyway. When you retire, want to gamble...your money to lose. But until then, you are a mark for every unsavory hustler who couldn't give a crap about you or the career you worked so hard for.

[@SM-po9wf]

netflix did an episode of bad sports about it. A bookie had like 3 ncaa players point shaving

[@knowbody44]

Whatever happened to the days where u'd pay a shady character with a briefcase full of cash?

[@jordanflores5687]

Why's he gotta be shady

[@ebransc09]

Can the briefcase have a big $ sign?

[@TK-xf4bh]

Anyone heard about of a guy named Pete Rose? If head an interpreter he’d be in the HOF now!!

[@elcee3292]

So different. Rose bet in games he was directly involved in. He should be banned.

[@Usefulidiot038]

There isn't enough info here. Ohtani could absolutely have placed bets on games he was playing in but MLB will take those Ohanti bucks because no one really cares about Pete Rose besides Reds fans.

[@thomasboaz9950]

​@Usefulidiot038 oh no the all-time hit leader. Pffst, he's boring. Tell anyone else good luck getting 4256 hits.

[@rexstetson1717]

@ Usefulidiot038 - You could not be more wrong about Pete Rose. He’s one of the greatest baseball players ever, and that fact is not changed by what team you root for.

[@Usefulidiot038]

​@@thomasboaz9950 Ichiro Suzuki? 4,367 lifetime professional hits between MLB and NPB.

[@dopenerd]

Ohtani is on FanDuel betting $5 getting $250 back in bonus bets

[@HighTide_808]

Only way to actually win

[@trevorcarey3997]

Let's just play Baseball ⚾️ the trolls are trying to make a big deal on some non ballplayer translalater placing sports bets, I do it with Draftkings almost everyday, who cares and let's play ball.

[@itsyaboipaulychips4498]

He definitely used a Promo code at checkout

[@slocumb1270]

Big G @@HighTide_808

[@916Smoke]

He should be banned for life.​@@trevorcarey3997

[@kevinroon7299]

Clear and concise! Timeline most informing. Thank you Rich. 🙌

[@bfgolf]

Pete Rose and Joe Jackson about to be reinstated😂😂😂

[@rossdilworth3412]

Pete rose is more likely to be governor of Nevada than be reinstated in baseball.

[@ronaldwilson9525]

@@rossdilworth3412Not if Draft Kings the official sports book of MLB has its way.

[@bfgolf]

@@rossdilworth3412 if they have to lifetime ban ohtani, I bet they would rethink Pete's ban and keep ohtani

[@1848revolt]

It's about time. Same with the steroid era guys.

[@krishisel5316]

MLB-"Did we say gambling was bad? We were kidding! It's okay. We're all good. Welcome back Pete, we love ya! 😂😂😂

[@Donniedangerously]

Even if ohtani was just covering the debt, isn’t it illegal to wire money to any bookie in California?

[@TheHawkeyeful]

My understanding is yes

[@The11IsaN]

That’s why the story changed to “theft”, I imagine. Because if Ohtani did wire the money, he’s still involved. Probably the lawyers pointed that out and changed the story.

[@snarkycharlies]

@@The11IsaN💯

[@emrsdca]

As a Californian I can tell you it's illegal. Think of RICO and you'll understand.

[@JoeRogansForehead]

Not just in California , it’s a federal crime

[@chrismichaelengland3399]

“He didn’t take questions after the game”. Of course, his interpreter was being thrown under the bus. 😅

[@Nighthawk-8050]

That interpreter is going to be well paid under the table. By keeping his mouth shut.

[@brichards9293]

Ohtani speaks English, the translator thing was always a ruse.

[@albertluu6849]

The real victim here is Yamamoto. He traveled 5,500+ miles for this buillshit lol

[@jefrey914]

😂😂😂

[@greenhat7618]

Still bagged 350M I don’t see no victim there

[@VannTheDawn]

Bagged 350M then proceeds to give up 4 Earned Runs in 1 inning.

[@azgunner]

Haha and to make it worse his horrible first start against the Padres

[@trevorcarey3997]

​@@azgunnerEvery player struggles in their first game, I remember Pedro Martinez struggled in his very first game also, and a couple of seasons he struggled but he became a great pitcher later on.

[@jonasgorea3823]

Ohtani really running the mj arc

[@JeewanthaBandara]

I'm ready to see him go play for the Lakers G-league affiliate 😂

[@ChocolateMilk1978]

MJ didn’t have a lackey cover anything up

[@ji8044]

For sure.

[@sixtynine2856]

​@@ChocolateMilk1978Occam's Razor dictates that Ippei is the gambler. Betting on sports is NOT a Japanese cultural past-time whereas in the US, it is -- which Ippei happens to be raised in (USA). Ohtani has no lick of an idea about football, basketball, tennis, etc., and he doesn't care either. All he knows and cares about is baseball (MLB). So the only realistic avenue for him to bet on is baseball BUT that is colossally stupid because -- common sense also dictates -- you shouldn't bet on the games you are scheduled to play and you really shouldn't bet on any other games either because of a conflict of interest -- and, especially, insider knowledge -- will present itself sooner or later when you belong in the same league. It's common sense. Shohei is a world class athlete with hundreds of millions in deferred money set aside for him. Sports gambling is beneath him -- no use (he's generationally wealthy) or time for it -- and is typically reserved for the (not so rich) general public -- which Ippei is essentially a part of. I struggle to think Ohtani can be that dense.

[@ji8044]

@@sixtynine2856 You sound idiotic talking about someone who literally doesn't even speak your language as if you know him. LOL

[@tonyrame7548]

They are saying he was robbed because Ohtani intially didnt know that by giving money to cover gambling debts is a federal crime, now they are caught in a lie. They should ask what Pete Rose thinks.

[@thomasboaz9950]

He said quote"i wish I had an interpreter in the 70s and 80s caus then I would have gotten off Scott free."

[@mauricetucker5050]

Say It Ain't Sho!"...Perfect Headline! 😆😆😆

[@TvFanatic-ui3pw]

Dude is the fall guy.

[@Chris-qh5tz]

For who? Shohei? I highly doubt Shohei is betting on American Football games. It's messy because Shohei did probably want to help out the interpreter but I have a feeling his family members were incensed when they heard Shohei agreed to pay off $4.5million in debt and want him to recoup it so he's saying it's theft now.

[@wintrstk54]

Who gives an interpreter a 4.5 mil line of credit?

[@sychophantt]

no one

[@Ishai1]

That guy was getting paid half a mil a year, at least that's what the ESPN article said. That's how he ended up in a poker game with the bookie, it was probably a high roller table (well, high roller for SD). I get it, you hear interpreter and you assume it's a simple, low paying, service job but he was really with Othani all the time, travelling everywhere, being with him in every team meeting and every activity, going over scouting reports during games, he wasn't just standing next to him in post game interviews. He had money, enough to make stupid decisions and dig himself that hole. The bookie, who is already running an illegal operation, accepting bets from someone he saw has money at a poker game isn't that surprising.

[@wintrstk54]

@@Ishai1 no I don't think low level service job, I think Ohtani got himself in this debt and the interpreter is the fall guy

[@TheMattTrakker]

@@Ishai1 I've seen $300k, but even if that's the case with 500k, you're still not getting anywhere near $4.5m in credit. Bookies are not going to float you 10+x your annual take home pay in credit because they know how unlikely it is that you can actually pay that back, let alone do so in a timely manner. This isn't like getting a mortgage where you're on a 30 year payment plan.

[@arcticredpanda4598]

The bookie gave the line of credit banking on Shohei becoming a client. Also "the translator" was making $500K/year.

[@laurencaulton103]

Pete Rose is on the line, with his interpreter!

[@ronaldwilson9525]

Pete should have hired an interpreter. He’d be a hall of famer if he had.

[@deremiahderrick6292]

Love it😂😂

[@WMusick]

Free Pete!!!

[@user-er3ri6sc3j]

Pete rose speaking that Appalachian creole. Therefore reinstate.

[@Dr.Frankensteen]

While I agree Rose should be in the Hall. But the key will be if baseball was bet on. If not, then there's a slight difference

[@adampasser7652]

Their billion dollar investments are looking great so far

[@jerm1499]

He didnt even bet baseball I dont see anything wrong

[@tomriddle8699]

​@@jerm1499its the illegal bookie in CA that lies the problem.

[@cheffman7127]

​@jerm1499 Ohtani directly wired at least 1 mil to a illegal bookmaker, you don't see a problem?

[@tomriddle8699]

@@cheffman7127 honestly I blame Newsom hahaha ha. I can't even sports bet in CA is ridiculous. I have to travel outside of ca to sports bet.

[@seventallguitarist]

That's a YOU problem. @@jerm1499

[@steveb1ish]

"Say it ain't Sho!" Just genius by The Rich Eisen Show writing staff. What a team effort.

[@proto-geek248]

Genius? Maybe slightly clever.

[@stevej.1428]

Not as genius as misspelling a direct quote. Copy/paste is your friend.

[@user-dy1il1sw4z]

"He who would pun would pick a pocket"

[@ByGriPhone]

Shohei loved Ippei like a brother-in-law

[@hani9633]

that's his buddy his blood brother his bestfriend this is a lose-lose situation for the both of them :(

[@jaya1000]

I was lucky enough to spot them at a grocery store. They were buds. Laughing, joking, ribbing each other. And when I cautiously approached them to say hello ippei squared his shoulders at me in a semi fighting stance. This is a sad sad story.

[@BasedSherpa]

Shame whatever happened there

[@jerm1499]

If the bets were not on baseball what did they do wrong?

[@Milehighmez15]

Maybe Ohtani shouldn’t be gambling and then using his friend as the fall guy then…

[@FrankieChavez-bu1uu]

Great transition to the topic. That was smooth af hahah

[@PhatLvis]

Could be Both. Ohtani covered the two debts, then Bookie (and/or Mizuhara) committed theft forging the others.

[@Dm0stFin3sT]

Can’t forge wire transfers 😂

[@PlaySA]

@@Dm0stFin3sT Sure you can, you just need to know bank details.

[@TelpPov]

@@Dm0stFin3sT it can be theft on many grounds: 1) Ippei could have used shohei’s name to get credit. That’s theft number 1. 2) shohei paying ippei’s debt when in actuality they are defrauding shohei’s money that’s theft #2. 3) they use shohei’s name to attract other clients. That’s theft #3.

[@greenhat7618]

@@Dm0stFin3sTcould’ve forged fake debt and make Ohtani pay for those

[@TelpPov]

@@greenhat7618 exactly, that debt could be a total defrauding scheme to make shohei bail him out

[@bobbybeez858]

Think about the way he structured his contract though. That’s not a gambling degenerate way of handling finances

[@Wben113]

He makes 50 million off the field a year.

[@bobbybeez858]

@@Wben113 if he were a gambling addict he’d want every penny

[@Wben113]

It doesn't work that way. They bet for the rush of it, period. You're comparing a person with tons of money gambling, to a person with not enough money gambling. Both gamble for the same reason, the rush.

[@bobbybeez858]

@@Wben113 agree to disagree…. Gamblers no matter how much they make eventually hit a wall. If Ohtani is a gambler then 4.5 is nothing to him but 4.5 is also almost 5 times his current structure in his deal. It just doesn’t make sense

[@adamcoe]

It might be when you're already worth over a hundred million. Not saying that's the case but buddy has dollars already, the Dodgers contract is just his retirement/generational wealth for any future kids plan.

[@jonnyhaze]

Bookmakers don’t let ppl like ippei get that far in debt unless they have financial backing of someone rich like ohtani. There is no way ohtani isn’t at least somehow involved.

[@ssjj005]

How does this work? Just because Ippei is interpreter of Ohtani, the bookmaker let Ippei borrow $5M??? It more looks like Ohtani was betting and Ippei was the fall guy no?

[@elisamuelpedraza8228]

It doesn't make any sense for Ohtani to be gambling. We obviously know nothing about the guy aside from his abilities as an MLB player but he's perfectly aware all eyes are on him, it would be really stupid for anyone to risk their career because of gambling. Also, it makes 0 sense to be gambling when you're worth almost a billion dollars and you're on a league with cero time to be spent on those type of things

[@elisamuelpedraza8228]

What's curious to me is what a coincidence that the gambling situation came from the player that's probably gonna be considered the best MLB player of all time and isn't either American or Latino

[@dannyquilter8366]

​@@elisamuelpedraza8228yeah it doesn't make any sense for people to do most things they do, they do it anyway. MJ was a glorified alcoholic and gambling addict

[@ssjj005]

@@elisamuelpedraza8228 Agree, but at the same time $5m is 10x what Ippei makes as a salary and that is unrealistic. Maybe Ohtani had no knowledge about the MLB rules and US state law. No way Bookmaker allow Ippei to borrow that kind of money.

[@addictedtoJB]

Bro...EVERYONE got lit up today, not just Yamamoto.

[@gameboyn64]

It's entirely possible that the story went from willingly paying off his friend's debt to theft after lawyers/accountants took a better look at his financial transactions. The banking information espn obtained showed 2 payments of 500k. That still leaves 3.5 mil unaccounted for.

[@tbrown3243]

Couldn't take questions he has no interpreter hahaha

[@sleazytooez2313]

😂😂😂😂😂 excellent point lmao

[@inoko3423]

アメリカの記者が日本語を勉強しないとね

[@DaneOrschlovsky]

The two most likely scenarios are that Ohtani gambled and his interpreter placed the bets, or that the interpreter gambled and Ohtani covered for him. The guy stealing $4.5M w/o Ohtani's knowledge when the money came from his account and then acting as if nothing happened? Nah, not buying it.

[@jxhide]

If he was smart enough to have Ippei place the bets, why would he not also give Ippei the money to pay off the debt. Doesn't make sense to leave a partial trail.

[@TheMattTrakker]

@@jxhide Having large money transfers from a multimillionaire as a "loan" is far less sus than having those same transfers from accounts owned by his interpreter.

[@Anthony-dy5cq]

Doesn't line up with the theft story they're trying to push and why would the terp have access to ohtanis bank account.

[@Old.School.Ronin.01]

As someone with a vague interest in baseball (living in Australia), my thinking is Ohtani thought Mizuhara was trustworthy enough to do the role of managing his money for him like his mother used to do whilst in Japan.

[@Nomoody341]

Otani doesn’t speak English. For you to do business with bookies, you have conversations. How can you talk if you don’t know the language? The interpreter knows Japanese and English. He was sports betting. The question is if Otani knew about or not

[@fredk9999]

Thank you to our host for this important segment. You are right; it doesn’t have a good look to it. And, unraveling will probably not look good, too.

[@berryleung7288]

😂Then why Ohtani deferred 98million after 10 yrs?! The 98m would become 20m or even 10m or woth far less at the end he collects them all after 20yrs!!! Also if Ohtani came to US 2 yrs later in the beginning, he could get a 300m for 5yrs instead a minor Angels contract which was only 20~25% of money he got in Japan in 2017. The reason is that he wanted to play baseball in US as soon as possible and he didn't care about money! Ohtani don't care money, he only cares about playing baseball! He cared a lot for Ippei but Ippei betrayed him! Besides, the lawyer of the Bookie who got house investigation and dealt with Ippei said that the bookie had never met or talked to Ohtani and never had any text dealt with Ohtani!

[@kojo0711]

Money is money and more money is better than less

[@SixerIverson04]

​@kojo0711 more money more problems. Either way, he has to pay taxes. All of that money before taxes. Then when you file your yearly taxes he will of course owe Uncle Sam. We all hate Uncle Sam

[@SixerIverson04]

Just like Pacquiao

[@josephjohnson4761]

Ohtani is dumb for getting involved with this

[@KeepItReal213]

His interpreter got into some serious sh*t

[@Dr.Frankensteen]

He was involved in that SVB money laundering scheme.

[@gheller2261]

Or perhaps Ohtani did.

[@noname-dk7ri]

I think Ohtani's lawyer intervened and started claiming "theft" because the debt was illegal to pay on his behalf. I think Mizuhara's first story is true.

[@user-do2hp6pw9w]

Thats it and of story

[@hidetoshitakahashi3881]

As you said, I don't know who to believe but Ippei admitted that he's a gambling addict and he asked Ohtani to help him pay off his debt. Everything else reported so far is just confusing. I watched a lot of news about this scandal on KZbin and I forgot whoes channel it was but the guy reported that in the wired transaction records , two names stood up. One of them is we already know and the other was Betts. The guy said that he wasn't sure if that person was Mookie Betts or somebody else. I just hope it's not him.

[@azncrombie4u]

Ippei would have to prove he is an addict for his story to be true otherwise ohtani in deep doo doo

[@BostonOtaku]

“Robbed” lol whenever I lose my bets I say I’m robbed too

[@kylem6370]

You think that’s crazy I had a 4 NCAA parlay at +1200 odds and only leg of the parlay to lose was Temple +7.5 over UAB.. and there’s an investigation going on right now involving that game cause the line went from +1.5 to +7.5 over night and the 4th game of Temples this year where suspicious betting has happened. So I only may have lost the parlay due to Temple throwing the game to not cover the spread intentionally

[@MichaelWalker-wu2pq]

Ohtani seems like a genuinely nice guy who just wants to play baseball. He paid the debt for his gambling addict friend and now his friend is in trouble and Ohtani's folks are trying to protect his squeaky clean image.

[@flipflopmcgurt3403]

Sure

[@gheller2261]

Uh...huh. SMH.

[@justinlast2lastharder749]

No....the Interpreter is taking the fall to protect Ohtani's squeaky clean image.

[@thegodfatheroftoys3349]

Ya, because bookies let you get 4 million in the hole, knowing you can’t pay it back…

[@The11IsaN]

@@thegodfatheroftoys3349 Ippei was being paid half a million from LAD. He was also getting paid from Ohtani for managerial services… and Ippei himself was having endorsements and loyalty from Japan too (with his book, etc). $4.5M is a plausible number

[@geoffjohnson6555]

this is honestly terrible for baseball. I'm pretty bummed out and nervous about what's coming. I think it's gonna get a little messy, and Shohei is no way walking away from this unscathed. His name is attached to 2 transactions connected to an illegal gambling operation. Ippei is obviously busted, but what Ohtani did signing those checks over to help is not legal, and he could potentially lose out in playing time or worse.

[@Yojut]

Same. I’ve been a fan of ohtani, for baseball, and this sucks. When Superman has a dirty secret, it makes you lose hope for humanity. And yes I’m being dramatic.. but still. He was great for the game, in a lot of ways. I hope he doesn’t end up giving people reasons to hate him. 😔

[@upsych1042]

You haven't followed sports long enough. This is nothing. As soon as his agent and agency gets all the details this will be over.

[@JoeRogansForehead]

lol why? They literally have gambling ads on all the channels .

[@blackjesus804]

I don't think illegal bothers him. Rich famous guys don't go to jail. A baseball suspension bothers him.

[@vuvubee]

he’ll be fine, paying a debt isn’t illegal. but if he was betting or if he has any winnings through illegal means then he’s in trouble. ippei may be ok if he didn’t actually steal or win anything. but japanese media reports aren’t looking good for him

[@mattsmith4589]

😭😭💀😂😭 I just watched Dan Patrick’s segment on this and I immediately typed in Rich Eisen I’ve waited for this response 😭💀

[@Old.School.Ronin.01]

As someone with a vague interest in baseball (living in Australia), my thinking is Ohtani thought Mizuhara was trustworthy enough to do the role of managing his money for him like his mother used to do whilst in Japan.

[@joewyatt2269]

I guess Yamamoto's performance is also deferred.

[@danr154]

😂😂😂

[@sammylogic1313]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@morcatna4767]

Brutal 😞

[@trevorcarey3997]

Every player struggles in their first game, I remember Pedro Martinez struggled in his very first game also, and a couple of seasons he struggled but he became a great pitcher later on.

[@baronvg]

🥁

[@SF49ss]

He is guilty. Signed every single SF Giants fan.

[@carlosaguirre6793]

And Angels Fan 😂

[@PlaySA]

lol

[@KeepItReal213]

The jealous ones

[@GeeBee909]

That's right. We (the Giants) play the game for the LOVE of the game, NOT the love of money

[@Wrath15___]

Bluejays to 😂

[@ronaldwilson9525]

You can now gamble legally at Wrigley Field. How is that decision looking now?

[@173jaSon371]

For Shohei, pretty good I guess!

[@ronaldwilson9525]

@@173jaSon371When the Dodgers are in Chicago yes sir!

[@Nomowu]

One thing I learnt from this, betting is illegal in California. I had no idea. And i have been living in Canada for 20+ years.

[@173jaSon371]

I see a lot of people pretending that Ohtani is incapable of such acts because of his super quiet personality, which has clearly been perfectly crafted by himself and his PR team. Nobody thought OJ was a bad guy at one point....nobody thought Tiger Woods was a bad guy at one point.....don't meet your heroes, folks.

[@RunForPeace-hk1cu]

Nobody believes that a guy making $60M/yr on endorsements need to gamble on credit

[@173jaSon371]

@@RunForPeace-hk1cu You must have missed all the other wealthy celebrities both gambling and doing shady things. He could have been doing it through an illegal bookie for a number of reasons that we don't yet know. Regardless of the outcome or who placed what bets, he was the one who wired money to an illegal bookie from his own account. If you or I did that, we would be royally screwed.

[@Landis_Grant]

Be suspicious of the quiet types.

[@173jaSon371]

@@Landis_Grant Honestly, you never 100% know anybody. Especially to the extent that you think you might. And especially not some random celeb that you don't see the personal lives of. Look at Deshaun Watson's once squeaky-clean image.

[@poppapeace5631]

why not compare it to jordan instead of oj like jeez its gambling not murder

[@UnleashthePhury]

When Ohtani said “bet I strike out nine over eight with a homer and two doubles and we still lose 2-1” he wasn’t giving you instructions, buddy

[@naohiro0425]

“Say it ain’t Sho”😂Well said. Well done, Rich.

[@Sakurajourneys]

According to a Japanese TV program, Mr. Mizuhara was not only acting as an interpreter but also handling various tasks, such as contracts, sponsor selection, , in meticulous detail, almost like a secretary, to ensure Mr. Ohtani could focus solely on baseball. Handling funds up to 1 billion yen. It is believed that they took advantage of such a position. Gambling addiction is frightening.

[@thewkovacs316]

Ohtani is the gambler

[@CB-or6cb]

Well, of course. Gotta protect the Golden calf.

[@user-yd4nk4lm6s]

@@CB-or6cboh please. Anybody with parents who don’t speak English knows how easy it is to bypass bank security when you have their personal info and a broken English accent. Ohtani was lied to by the gambling addict Mizuhara, who also lied about his degree and work experience btw, about the 2 500k payments going to pay off a loan. I doubt gambling was even mentioned. Ohtani did it. Mizuhara had access to his accounts and continued to do it himself. Thats why the story changed. Ohtani did not know about gambling. Or 4.5 million going missing. He’s not the first wealthy person to be robbed by close ones.

[@amtgmedia6295]

I thought that was Kenny Rogers? 😉

[@BirdGang6]

That’s not at all the truth though

[@greenhat7618]

Only thing that makes sense is Ohtani covered his debt but Dodgers or someone decided that being associated in any way is bad and decided to change the story and say he was robbed

[@pocketaces6756]

And that would mean Ohtani did the honorable thing and threw his friend under the bus, and maybe in jail. Great guy.

[@greenhat7618]

@@pocketaces6756 if he didn’t steal the money he won’t be going in no jail, which is what doesn’t make sense cuz if that part was fake then how could they have contacted the authority about it? Wouldn’t that amount to false testimony or obstruction of justice?

[@pocketaces6756]

@@greenhat7618 Exactly. Going on the theory that Shohei paid it, and then changed his story to Ippei stole it. If Shoehei paid it, and then lied to authorities claiming theft, he would get charges for filing a false report, as well as maybe other charges for sending that money. If he's telling the truth, then Ippei needs to be arrested.

[@greenhat7618]

@@pocketaces6756yeah now thinking about it it just seems like there is still a lot we don’t know, the whole thing is way too murky and convoluted it doesn’t really make sense, gotta wait for more info to come out to really tell.

[@jameshayden3952]

Cover-up always gets ya.

[@Broseftoast]

I just couldn't believe it... Ippei... like what the hell...damn

[@jerm1499]

He didnt bet baseball what was done thats wrong?

[@JoeRogansForehead]

Do you not know anything about Asians and gambling lol

[@gideonf8696]

There is another possibility. It could be he was defrauded but still wanted to cover up for his friend to keep him out of jail. Then he told his lawyers what was going on and they told him he can’t lie about this stuff and had to come clean.

[@andresrojas7924]

Dodgers: Dont ever gamble Ohtani: What did they say? Interpreter: They said that giving millions to your translator to gamble is an old tradition with foreign players in American baseball.

[@707ladytee]

😀

[@franciscobastidas7693]

All the time the cover up is worse than the crime itself

[@harumih.3727]

You don't know the fact.

[@winsonboss1240]

Hello Mr. Nixon...

[@CB-or6cb]

Israel would like a word on that comment.

[@MalcIgg]

playing a bit of devils advocate here - but could be true, Sho was the good guy, finding his man, 500k twice over in the hole to this bookie, but then looking into his accounts (which I'd bet his Interpertior had access too) found himself missing loads more funds.... it is thin, but maybe just maybe?....

[@PlaySA]

Possible

[@paulevans6403]

Plausible. He did cover bets AND was robbed. But that still puts him in deep doo-doo.

[@blb4356]

Sorry, nobody covers a friends $4.5mm gambling Debt. Interpreter is the fall guy for Ohtani. This story could end up in a disaster for LAD

[@mikebradshaw6484]

But it should free up a lot of money for next year's free agency.

[@MichaelWalker-wu2pq]

Ohtani doesn't fit that type of character. The interpreter gave what was probably the honest account. He screwed up gambling himself into debt and Ohtani, being a friend paid off his debts. Ohtani's PR folks are now crafting this story of Ohtani being "robbed" somehow because this ruins his clean image.

[@TheMattTrakker]

@@MichaelWalker-wu2pq Are you friends with him?

[@MichaelWalker-wu2pq]

@TheMattTrakker no but I have a job where I must carefully judge the characters of the people I come into contact with. Admittedly, I would need more in-person contact with Ohtani because I only have a general public input of him but I've seen so many good people caught up in situations because of their friends getting involved in shaky situations. This seems like that more than Ohtani being the main perp.

[@bradleyc328]

@@TheMattTrakkerit seems way more likely that a guy as genuine as Shohei *would* help out his friend rather than be the gambler himself. He probably ignorantly and naively supported his friends’ “hey I need more money” requests over the years. The bookie knew he was good for it, and Ippei stupidly used Shohei’s direct account when it was time to pay up.

[@alaskanyeti907]

I got a fanduel ad before this. Ironic

[@imposible2beat]

The Fall Guy coming to theatres soon.

[@ApesWithEgos]

This is why rich people have shell companies.

[@tommyriam8320]

_'this is why_ fraudsters, tax-evaders, money-launderers, conspirators and unregistered foreign agents Joe "The Big Guy", First Bro, Jim and "Bagman" son, Hunter _have shell companies'_

[@margaretash9706]

Can't believe they are even trying to cover for Ohtani.

[@joedobbins870]

Betting on any sport is evil!

[@beniannozzi6066]

This story is starting to smell stinky 😳

[@jerm1499]

They didnt even bet baseball what did they even do wrong

[@ty313331313]

@@jerm1499 It was illegal "under the table" gambling, as for why the story changed from him wiring the money to cover his friend to his friend stole it is because its wire fraud, "using a wire “which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or wagers” is explicitly listed in the U.S. criminal code and can get you up to 2 years in prison

[@dnoble8143]

​@jerm1499 That's what needs to be investigated, we don't know that for sure. That was the official statement by Ohtani, but it was such a massive pivot so we can't take team Ohtani's statement at face value

[@jobunaga4178]

​@@jerm1499how do you know? they can't get their story straight. $4.5M is a lot of money to lose track of, even for millionaires.

[@TheMattTrakker]

@@jerm1499 Lived in CA.

[@JeffNelsonBuffalo]

What's the line on Pete rose entering the Hof? 😂😂😂 Odds just went up!

[@marcoperdomo283]

I'll put 100 on that..

[@richardyounkins]

like comparing apples to railroad cars.

[@theamericanbrotha]

I'm sure Fanduel will have odds on it

[@michaelconger6420]

Give me 200 on guilty

[@reimaaki5737]

Pete Rose bet on Baseball, iPPEi never did‼️ it is a very different case!

[@SheevsNuts]

Shohei either got scammed, paid off someones dept, or is Michael Jordan

[@MalcIgg]

or all 3?

[@PATRIOTTTT]

Michael Jordan of Baseball

[@jvu714]

No way he gambles doesn’t come off as someone that does. Definitely the interpreter

[@joseperales2381]

@@jvu714haha you’d be surprised how good people can hide bad habits. (I am also a degenerate gambler)

[@mikelucas4247]

​@joseperales2381 people that are gamblers tend to be short on cash more often.

[@FrenchDelightBakery]

"Many Americans might find it hard to understand, but the world Shohei Ohtani is living in now is akin to that of the 1988 Tom Hanks film, 'Big.' Even if one comes into a significant amount of money, without knowing how to manage it-how to open an account, set up a password, or enable two-factor authentication-many Japanese people would rather entrust everything to someone they trust. Moreover, he comes from the Tohoku region, home to some of the kindest people in Japan."

[@adamcoe]

lol as if there are certain areas where people are just naturally more kind...come on man

[@jamesmackey1229]

Oh what a web we weave..

[@PlaySA]

Seems pretty straightforward to me. Ohtani's interpreter, who is really like a best friend and brother, is a gambling addict. He asked Ohtani to help and Ohtani agreed, although he knew that the interpreter couldn't actually be trusted with the money so he paid it himself. The whole getting robbed thing could also be true, because a gambling addict won't stop on their own. Even if Ohtani did cover for him, he could've stolen more so he could continue gambling.

[@tonyc8752]

That’s conveniently what they want you to believe. Ohtani’s name is on the transactions

[@KeepItReal213]

@@tonyc8752 Ohtani lives and breathes baseball. He literally has no free time. Dude ain't at the casinos like Jordan was.

[@TheMattTrakker]

@@KeepItReal213 Oh, so you're stalking him 24/7? And you don't need free time or to go to a casino to place a bet with a bookie. If you're going to be stupidly naive, you should probably just keep it to yourself.

[@tonyc8752]

@@TheMattTrakker He's hallucinating that he knows what Othani does all day. It's called Cognitive Dissonance, I believe. His brain can't handle the betting story. It conflicts with his previously held belief that Ohtani is some kind of superhuman god. So, the brain shoots into action to break the dissonance. Either invent something quickly to justify your previously held beliefs, or change your mind. 99% of the time, the human will just invent something for justification. It's easier than having to admit wrong, and re-evaluate if everything you believed before could be incorrect.

[@CB-or6cb]

@@KeepItReal213 Ohtanis name is on the wire transfers. Way to keep it real 213.

[@sawanpatel9920]

Ohtani was the good guy that covered the debt..but he admittedly put his name on a check that ended up involved in a gambling scandal...no bueno. Also, walking it back, makes it look even worse.

[@bruceboman9801]

"Say it ain't Sho." Genius! But I do have a sick feeling in the pit of my gut about this. Not a Dodgers fan, but a fan of the game. The lawyers, MLB, the Dodgers and their spin doctors will devise another story and the truth will never be known. 😢. Any ESPN footage will magically dissappear. Then swept away ASAP. Standard operational procedure in today's damage control mode.

[@listoramirez650]

A PERSON WITH A GAMBLING PROBLEM DOES NOT DEFER 600+ million dollars 😂😂😂

[@carlwilliams9642]

The story changed Rich, because if the first story is true, Ohtani would have committed a crime.

[@RajDeelish]

There's no crime in the first story.

[@carlwilliams9642]

@@RajDeelish Making financial transactions with an illegal sportsbook is a crime.

[@jordenrisley6761]

@@RajDeelishgambling in California is illegal unless your at a Indian casino

[@mirikaku5811]

There is clearly an East and west dynamic in this STORY. EAST is gray zone, because the intention wasn’t malicious and based on true ignorance and naivety. WEST either you knew or you didn’t, it’s black and white! You knew you’re guilty! If you didn’t then you’re a victim and innocent!! Nothing in between!! 1) Ippei have Gambling addiction, which he had for years. 2) Ippei thought it was okay as long as it was his private matter 3) The gambling backfired and losses racked up..(he had probably begged the broker that he has remuneration coming from Ohtanis deferred amount or so) 4) can no longer control the losses 5) Tell Ohtani the truth for the first time, to Ohtanis surprise and upsets. 6) Ohtani says: if you promise to NEVER DO IT AGAIN I will help you this time! 7) Ippei: I’m so embarrassed, but I promise to pay you back! 8) Shohei deposits the money to the account that Ippei tells him. 9) Random check on Gambling by authorities, found Ohtanis name. 10) Ippei tells the above to ESPN Ohtani NEVER been interested in Material things, no cars, no blings, no expensive watches or houses. Never gamble on horses, racing nor even seen inside of a casino..don’t go out even when he is in NEW YORK..(admitted) he doesn’t drink alcohol..Ohtani is like a child who grew up. Ohtani even SAID, the money (700M) doesn’t feel like it’s his own money, “it’s money from the fans” He honestly was angry at Ippei for getting into trouble but helping him to pay (because Shohei have the money) Shohei thought, that is normal for a friend to do! and Ippei is precious friend who has been with him in thick and thin. Now, so happens that some gambling are not legal (which Ippei and Ohtani’s both doesn’t know the difference, especially Shohei, who doesn’t know anything about gambling at all) UNTIL the lawyers, decided that Shohei cannot tell the truth as in America he will incriminate himself (for being ignorant about what is gambling!) so they told Shohei and Ippei to CHANGE the story to Ippei “STEALING” the money! And it all became complicated!! Now, Shohei as EVERYBODY who have followed him since his fighters days, angels days..know Shohei is extremely intelligent when it comes to baseball and has hard core DISCIPLINE in everything he do. Never miss training, will do all until end. Never skip anything. As for Social matters, he is VERY NAIVE and trusting as he has ALWAYS had people protecting him (managers, parents..) is now caught unaware in a situation that he couldn’t even imagine…

[@sixtynine2856]

Thank you. Why in tf would he gamble when he doesn't even own a car, bling, expensive material items, etc. He doesn't drink, smoke, do drugs, gamble, drive, dine out, NOTHING. He just plays ball and goes home and eat and sleep. I will cut off my left hand if Ohtani was guilty of gambling. It doesn't make a lick of sense.

[@danr154]

Yes, I see things the same way. I do believe Shohei is quite naive and simply does not care about all the trappings of wealth.

[@kennethpierson82]

If as you say, he's extremely smart, he was extremely irresponsible and dumb for not sticking with the original story. The changing story, makes no sense. Lots of people don't NEED to do illegal things. They do them for whatever reason, sometimes on accident. That's not a defense. And changing story indicates deception

[@breguera77]

@@kennethpierson82his team is dumb, and he needs a new one. Its already making him look bad

[@francos8109]

Ohtani is interested in winning. Michael Jordan bet non stop not for money but just because he enjoyed winning. Tiger woods was cleaner than Ohtani in the East AND the west. Nobody loved baseball more than Pete Rose. Do some reading.

[@jimough2441]

And the spin begins.

[@Mia-xb9er]

Ohtani spend all his life to be No 1 baseball player. In Japan, his teammates told that Ohtani didn’t want to hung out to get drink. He just wants to play baseball and sleep to recover his body. I hope someone can prove that he is innocent. Also other teammate said that He is only interested about baseball. Actually it’s good and bad.

[@suika197]

Ohtani doesn't gamble because he's not obsessed with money.never

[@danweston6109]

This is my favourite narrative. People know Ohtani, a man they've never heard speak, better than Ohtani knew Ippei. 😅😅😅

[@stammer1295]

​@danweston6109 I know right 😂 and tiger woods was a faithful husband 😆😆 dummies

[@TheRealLorenzoRoss]

It’s not about that. It’s an addiction. He’s competitive. Think Michael Jordan.

[@MT-dh2tr]

How do you.know that?

[@dtucke17]

Gamblers aren't obsessed with money. They are obsessed with the adrenaline that gambling brings

[@jake-jp3vb]

“If it doesn’t make sense, it isn’t true.” -Judge Judy

[@FrequencyOfRelaxation]

Or we just don’t know the facts

[@neonmarblerust]

“Just put down something, so put down ‘loan’” yikes!

[@briancollier6887]

Press conference within a day coming

[@alrifr5786]

It is easy to understand. Wiring money to a bookie is a federal offense, so if the original story was true, Ohtani unknowingly committed a felony.

[@bobbyheenan4061]

Wire fraud is only a federal crime when it crosses a state line. Sounds like this all took place from one CA bank acct to another, so federal wire fraud charges wouldn't be in play. The IRS, however, could investigate.

[@Harcorwrestler]

@@KobeBean5xchampyou said I think twice. lol your words don’t come across as convincing. Know the law, it’s illegal to wire money to an illegal bookie. Nothing complicating about it.

[@Harcorwrestler]

@@KobeBean5xchamplook up Penal Code 337 PC and Title 18 U.S.C. It states if you are participating in wages as a gambler, you are liable as participating in an illegal activity under California law. Key word “as a gambler”, meaning the person sending money to a bookie to place a bet.

[@timothybrown5741]

Also mls has a rule that you cannot use an illegal bookie. MLS needs to ban him.

[@alrifr5786]

@timothybrown5741 he did nothing wrong. He was swindled out if money.

[@catherinewilliams9680]

Ohtani doesn't think he was robbed. His money management team thinks Ohtani was robbed.

[@jameshayden3952]

And his publicist.

[@francissampson]

Not about the money , it's about the action !

[@rich213sal]

I want to know what the name of the entity being federally investigated

[@wendyy.4442]

Soooo ESPN still does investigative reporting….who knew!?!🤔I guess LeMedia’s piece on LeBron’s link to PED’s (allegedly) is coming soon….I won’t hold my breath though🤫

[@TheMikemontreal]

Why is MLB still promoting betting sites and gambling while Pete rose remains banned

[@stephenskinner4857]

MLB and professional sports are hypocrites when you are promoting FANTASY sports odds. Money is ruining sports. Even college sports is suffering ruination because of greed. Go watch the innocence of a Little League game.

[@richardmesson]

It's all about the Money and yes is double standard

[@POPCULTRONIC]

Breaks my heart when you say, “you just don’t know anything about anybody anymore.”

[@maverick214]

This story has more holes in it than a slice of Swiss cheese.

[@ebransc09]

More holes than the Mets’ infield D

[@brandonanaya6400]

🤵🏻‍♂️ 🥂 For the Dodger’s Downfall

[@WMusick]

Superman about to lose his cape.

[@MikeNolan]

😆

[@carlosaguirre6793]

😂

[@kmena05]

the Illegal Gambling Dodgers 😂

[@cosmickeys5766]

Explanation 1: Ohtani thought it was just the two $500K transfers to help him pay off his interpreter's gambling debt, but after Ohtani heard the press conference where they said $4.5M for the first time, he looked into his accounts and found that another $3.5M had been embezzled. So in effect, it was both helping him pay off Ippei's bookies AND a theft. Explanation 2: Helping his friend pay off the gambling debt is the true story. The day of the news release, Ohtani's interpreters may have advised -- for the sake of baseball & possibly a contract violation -- that admitting to have been anywhere near the bookmaker under federal investigation, there is a possibility baseball would look at it as "whether betting for self, for proxy, for fulfilling a gambling debt by proxy" he was adjacent enough to violating the covenant that they put him on administrative leave or more while they investigate. By declaring it a theft, he recuses himself from any direct suspension. Recall that Trevor Bauer was issued an unprecedented 324-game suspension on paid administrative leave by the Dodgers/MLB while the investigation and court cases ensued.

[@lgwapo6793]

Place your bets: Win, place or Sho

[@harumih.3727]

Please don't misunderstand the fact. Mizuhara took advantages of Ohtani's kindness and trust. Mizuhara started his gambling since 2021 after he met with the booker in San Diego. Mizuhara has been interested in casino activities since he was in his 20s. Ohtani was never aware of Mizuhara's gambling habits. Mizuhara confessed and apologized his own gambling problem it the clubhouse, when Ohtani couldn't understand what he was talking about, so Ohtani asked another interpreter what Mizuhara was talking about. It was them Ohtani learned about Mizuhara's gambling problem and discovered that his account was used to transfer the money. Ohtani's attorney reported it is a theft, then Dodgers immediately fires Mizuhara. Ohtani was never involved in any illegal gambling.

[@gary1625]

But of course.

[@norespect]

LOL. For sure.

[@17owenlee]

sure thing bud

[@pocketaces6756]

So instead of Ohtani being truthful and admitting he was helping Ippei, he will now claim that Ippei stole it and possibly send him to jail, just to cover up his own mistake? What a kind and honest guy, sheeeesh.

[@FrequencyOfRelaxation]

@@pocketaces6756they both don’t want ohtani to lose playing privilege which is prolly why they came out with the theft story. Bcos just ohtanis name on the wire transfer is illegal itself. Ippei fucked up

[@bajaborracho9139]

Nobody thought it was suspicious that he speaks better english than the interpreter? That wasn't a red flag?😂

[@TheThearchangel90650]

How does the interpretor get that kind of line of credit?

[@sharkl11]

They allow casinos all throughout California, but can't place online sports bets? Fk yal dirty politicians

[@adamcoe]

A half million dollar wire transfer isn't exactly an "online sports bet." It's about tax revenue.

[@ileria3]

Its sad that he media a has little to no understanding about the Asian mind. Japanese especially are very private. Otani getting married to his wife that he dated for several years is proof of that and how he kept it very private and a secret. My wife is Japanese. been married for over 34 years. I have learned this first hand and also spent 6 years in Japan. I'm telling you straight up, Otani was taken advantage of by his interpreter. But becasue he was a long time friend with his interpreter, he helped him out. This is going to get blown out of proportion. You can believe that!

[@masonloh1411]

Japanese relies on trust. Shohei trusted Ippei, so he has expense accounts / personal info. perhaps Ippei didn't thought much about wire transfer w/ Shohei name & thinks he can somehow chase back his bets & when it comes to gambling chasing it never ends well > $4 1/2 mil until he admits to Shohei. Shohei is a big guy w/ a kid mindset playing baseball. I bet my pension check he does not bet sports. question is the Illegal Bookie / fed investigations that lies the problem MLB.

[@okrajoe]

Wasn't that a Hall & Oates song?

[@luissalazar2854]

So you’re saying, Ohtani‘s is a real good friend, who can loan you $500k.

[@smilehuhu29]

If Otani were interested in gambling, he wouldn't defer 97% of his annual salary until 10 years later, and he wouldn't donate 3 gloves to every elementary school in Japan or provide 10 million yen to earthquake victims as other donations. Because it costs a lot of money. Ohtani simply loves baseball more than money. On the other hand, Otani has no interest in gambling and is ignorant of it. He's just a guy who dedicates his life to his hobby, baseball. I would like people to understand Shohei Otani a little more.

[@advancedhittingtraining8233]

He gets enough money from sponsor deals in Asia and US to compensate for the salary money that’s deferred. That’s the reason he smartly deferred his salary.

[@scottemory72]

You do realize he makes absolutely ridiculous money for his endorsements and that’s why his can defer this baseball salary. He’s just a man, he probably is a very good man but all like all men he probably has faults. Don’t make him out to be a saint when none of us know what he is like in private. His philanthropic efforts are fantastic but so are so many other athletes, Micheal Jordan did a lot for other people as well, but he loved to gamble on everything and he loved women. Good men have vices just like us all.

[@smilehuhu29]

@@scottemory72 What are the cultural differences between Japan and the United States?　For example, the United States has a history of immigration, which has been formed by immigrants from other countries. In other words, it is a multi-ethnic country, and as a custom, families and individuals are more important than others. Japan, on the other hand, is a unitary nation. However, Japan people have a custom of valuing others before individuals. They are educated from childhood to be considerate of others, to pick up trash outside, not to speak loudly in public, and not to bother them. And Japan have a spirit of self-sacrifice. In other words, if you understand the culture of Japan people, you will understand Ohtani's way of thinking better.

[@smilehuhu29]

@@advancedhittingtraining8233 Certainly Otani earns a lot of money from sponsors and other sources. But what about the contracts of world-famous athletes such as Messi of soccer, Judge Stanton of the Yankees, and Steph Curry of basketball? These athletes, like Otani, also have sponsorship contracts. If these athletes were in the same situation, they would not put off 97% of their annual salary. In other words, Otani is special.

[@User69-699]

I believe ohtani is such a nice guy that ippi knew ohtani would help him out no matter what

[@aznpanda510x]

It really a shame, some friend will take advantage of friendship. I lost a few friends like that.

[@mikesternmike]

Has ESPN begun filming for the 30-30 on this yet?

[@TwimsFan]

I can only hope Pete Rose gets inducted into the HOF after they allow Ohtani to keep playing baseball after this mess

[@DogwaterHero]

Yeah, if he's not betting on baseball--then only the law should care. I'm not ready to criticize the best player in our life time with zero evidence saying he was at fault for anything. Speculation is pointless. We'll find out what happened.

[@luisd8917]

​@@KobeBean5xchamp Pete Rose disagree

[@Harcorwrestler]

@@KobeBean5xchampit’s not up to MLB, the Federal Government is involved and is investigating the illegal bookie which Ohtani’s name is tied to. Whatever MLB decides is the least of Ohtani’s worries. The Federal Government will connect the dots and find out why Ohtani’s name and money had been connected to this illegal operation. It doesn’t look good for Ohtani.

[@therookiesplaybook]

The best player in our lifetime? You must be young.

[@DogwaterHero]

@@therookiesplaybook I'm 40, you're just living in some other reality to think not.