Shohei Ohtani makes statement regarding gambling scandal | MLB on ESPN

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani releases a statement regarding the theft allegations against his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.
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[@user-yf8sx2tl8p]

ESPN should apologize to Ohtani.

[@yellowduck-2024]

He doesn't understand what they said about him

[@pauljayvlogs489]

Shohei seems like the type of guy who doesnt concern himself with his financials. He trusts people. He seems singularly focused on his craft. So i can see how someone he trusted over the course of years could gain access to things/ bank info. Shohei is only guilty of naivety.

[@aro3275]

He’s guilty of wiring money to a bookie.

[@onnaquunevie9530]

@@aro3275 Nothing good will come of it if Ohtani lies here even though the investigation is ongoing. But he's dignified. His lawyers say they will be thorough. Ippei has lied about the university, lied about the Red Sox, and is currently missing.

[@Bencia1226]

@@aro3275 to save his lifelong friend! it was like a parting gift

[@greenhat7618]

@@aro3275did you even watch the press conference

[@jpm5205]

He can be charged with 1) illegal gambling, 2) racketeering 3) and wire fraud

[@JayJay-kb4dq]

I believe him. Dude isn’t hiding or being shady. Seems like a genuine dude.

[@raidersplayer11]

Have you done research about the situation or you came to this assumption from this video?

[@JayJay-kb4dq]

@@raidersplayer11 all answers are assumptions until the investigation is over…Are you dense? 😂😂😂

[@kami_1789]

​@@raidersplayer11🤡

[@ucouco78]

he didn't gamble, that is not even the issue. The issue is why did his team change their story after approving the first version of events way before hand. Ohatani paid his friend's debt, the new PR firm didn't like that story, new PR firm changes the narrative from paying a friend's debt to friend stole 4.5 million. pointless and makes it things look worse than they really are. I would fire that PR firm.

[@jonathansdlam]

@@ucouco78 Or it's possible that the interpreter lied to Ohtani's team that he had spoken with Ohtani and gotten approval for the story, while at the same time hiding the inquiry from Ohtani himself which is precisely what Ohtani is saying in his statement. Knowledge is power and the intepreter had full power to control both sides by limiting and obfuscating the information.

[@harumih.3727]

I trust and continue to trust Shohei's genuine dedication to the baseball, remembering his old interesting episodes. This is Shohei Ohtani, who asked his teammates of Nippon Ham Fighters, "what kind of fun would you have when spending time for drinking? I would think it is more meaningful to spend the time to play baseball" and who sent a video gift to his former Manager Kuriyama on the night of Christmas when everybody else was enjoying the night, the video which he recorded himself practicing on batting on that night.

[@shamus3477]

His so dedicated to hitting a ball that he didnt notice big transactions coming out of his account....

[@roscoemuttley]

@@shamus3477 Multi-millionaire, been rich for a while. there are probably a lot of layers in terms of managers, money managers, accountants. He probably has a daily account to spend his money. Ted Nugent got completely drained by his manager, Dane Cook's own brother stole millions from him.

[@simplecronista2400]

@@shamus3477😂😂😂😂

[@2011blueman]

Pete Rose was also genuinely dedicated to baseball.

[@harumih.3727]

@@2011blueman So what? You don't recognize the difference?

[@unocrown4458]

I don't speak nor understand Japanese but the way he speaks and his expressions just make me believe him innocent and that he is nothing more than a victim here

[@ys3243]

私は日本人ですが、私から見ても彼は嘘をついてるように見えないです。大谷は時々奥歯を食い縛っていて、泣くのを我慢してるように見えます😢

[@cindymmm11]

Same. I dont understand Japanese , but I feel ohtani is the victim here

[@simple.1829]

Im japanese who lives in abroad for more than a decade and Its so hard to understand that Mr Otani is not able to tell his story without the interpriter 😂 大谷さん、いいかげんこれくらい簡単な説明は通訳通さず自分で英語で喋れば良いのに。この人何年海外にいるか知らないけど、まさか日本語だけで生きてるのかしら？？

[@slhrnl]

⁠@@simple.1829i live abroad for 6 years in total (same as shohei does) but i think he just doesn’t want to have any misclarification on his statement, especially in these serious situations

[@user-ns6jo7wb1w]

​@@ys3243konoyaro

[@The11IsaN]

We all (should) know that Ippei was more than just a “translator”. Ohtani was merely 23 when he came to the states. Ippei had lived in CA. Likely, Ippei helped Ohtani open a bank account, get him an apartment, take care of him 24/7. In fact, Ippei drove Ohtani, he played catch with Ohtani, and took care of him and his house during his recovery from surgery. Ippei was his de facto agent/“personal assistant” for Ohtani 24/7. Allegedly, it is reported (by some Japanese news outlets) that Ippei was in charge of managing some of Shohei’s endorsement and sponsorship deals, from negotiating to payment. For example, Shohei recently donated 60,000 baseball gloves to schools in Japan. He also invited 100 students to come study abroad in the U.S. these could have been managed by Ippei. Hence, it is very possible that Ippei in fact did have access to one of his bank accounts. Very obscure relationship (and naive of Ohtani), but he trusted Ippei, and Ippei took advantage of that.

[@simplecronista2400]

Yes, sure… how naive…

[@cindymmm11]

Ippei is a thief.

[@user-vr1lt1ki7g]

​@@simplecronista2400 確かにナイーブだけど こういう事はアメリカのセレブリティでも起こってない？

[@Mr.Nick.Kerrrr]

OH please, Ippei didn't steal anything. He's taking the fall so Ohtani won't get in trouble.

[@rayneutronkuk]

@@user-vr1lt1ki7g but Americans don't have translators, right?

[@user-jp8iv8ru3v]

His eyes tell us how he hurts. We have believed him and we will. Always.

[@erniejohnson677]

😭😭😭 the same way you believed lance armstrong, bill Cosby and r Kelly. You waiting to get your heart broke. Stay hush kid

[@DustinRobbins-iz9hi]

Or fear...

[@jeffnajarro1241]

​@@erniejohnson677 Bill Cosby and R. Kelly weren't money laundering accusations 😂😂 Selena and her killer situation is a more adept comparable example

[@user-fl8qp4jt4o]

Why didn’t you believe your pitcher you guys fired that was completely innocent. Poor Trevor

[@slhrnl]

i can see shohei’s pain in his eyes…. i feel so bad for him that he has to go through this☹️

[@Bob-xf8wi]

I can imagine that it's difficult for some 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. 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 about.

[@kmk7296]

Yes it's hard for Americans to understand. But this is not weird in Japanese culture. He was just so naive unfortunately.

[@trer24]

Is it hard to believe that athletes get ripped off by people they trust? Tim Duncan had $20 million stolen from him. Kevin Garnett lost $47 million. Baker Mayfield just settled a lawsuit against his family who was stealing from him.

[@ep9691]

It’s just Ohtani haters. Gotta have something for them to hate

[@-JAVY-]

Wasn't Luka Doncic mom try 2 take money from him??? MIKE TYSON with Don king? Dane cook and his brother?? It's crazy

[@WayneKandon]

Good point, but Dodger/Ohtani haters will keep spreading rumors no matter what the outcome. Sad& Pathetiic

[@joua7yaj]

Typical chronically online haters. Wouldn’t want to waste any time and effort on those people. They’ve been waiting for a reason to hate on Ohtani and now they have one. They’re gonna hang onto this scandal until the end of his career. Even if Ohtani is proven to be innocent after the investigations from MLB and FBI, these haters will choose to never believe it.

[@Sebastian-km9qx]

This is why you don’t let anyone have access to you’re bank account unless you trust them with you’re life

[@user-xm3bk2gx8r]

Ohtani did not go to the drinking party with the players of the Japanese team gathered for the WBC, even though he was invited. He told his Angels teammates, "You shouldn't gamble. It's not a good act." When he was invited to a casino on the expedition, he refused.

[@jokerrhe]

He's like "Nah I already do that online, less obvious." 🤣🙃

[@TOOMUCHSAUCE91]

Oh shut up. Dodgers fans are so delusional

[@hpnssn773]

@@TOOMUCHSAUCE91this report is from an Angels beat reporter. So, it’s not a Dodgers fans thing

[@jasonrosete490]

Perfect deflection

[@hattorihongzo]

@@jokerrhe “…aaaand he smashes that meatball - served up nicely - sending it towering, deep, deep over that centerfield wall. Jim, I reckon he sent that ball about 500 feet or more.”

[@kiedwin]

I just realized this might be the first time English speakers are paying attention to what Shohei says, not what Ippei says.

[@erniejohnson677]

And what? He still ruined his legacy. Quite a first impression

[@Ultradude604]

They are paying attention to another interpreter. Stop with the interpreters already. It's the only way to learn English. After 7 years in America he shouldn't be using one. No other foreign player had an interpreter. Kawasaki, Nomo, Ichiro... etc.

[@chingyilin5107]

I thought Ichiro always uses an interpreter. He once said he didn't want his words to be misunderstood so he always use an interpreter. @@Ultradude604

[@dingersonlyy7879]

@@Ultradude604he knows english well he is just self conscious about it

[@WaldoHaraldoFaldo]

@@erniejohnson677ruined his legacy ? 😂😂😂 Go cry somewhere for a week and then have a better outlook on your own life

[@user-uu8nm8qd3o]

Some Americans make fun of the fact that Otani always speaks English through an interpreter. However, most Americans who have lived in Japan for many years cannot even read Japanese in the first place.

[@aboutme7810]

Nah its different. English is a sole main communication language in the Universe and not just for America. You can compare French and Japanese like that way but English is a different position.

[@WayneKandon]

It is still difficult for foreigners to speak English fluently . Especially words that have double meaning.

[@omgbygollywow]

I know some Vietnamese relatives who have been in the United States since 1975 that can barely speak English. I also know some married couples where the husband is American and the wife is Vietnamese and the husband never learned Vietnamese. The wife had to learn a little bit of English because the husband was incapable (or simply did not want to learn another language).

[@tk03_85]

@@aboutme7810 Does that make it any less difficult to learn (at a fluent or conversational level) for people who haven't grown up speaking the language? A lot of US citizens couldn't go to Mexico and speak fluent or conversational Spanish, even if the language was part of school curriculum. And vice versa.

[@user-uu8nm8qd3o]

@@aboutme7810 That's right. But Americans don't make any effort to learn English, and they don't realize it.

[@nrpy09]

Some argue that Ohtani should explain how Mizuhara, who is merely an interpreter, managed to access Ohtani’s bank account and make unauthorized transfers. However, as for this ‘incident,’ Ohtani has already entrusted it to the judicial authorities. Therefore, the responsibility to resolve this question, that is, to prove the case, lies with the prosecution, not with Ohtani, who is the ‘victim.’ It is legally and morally impossible for Ohtani to explain that he did not make the transfers. In other words, this is a case of ‘proving a negative.’ Many fans of Ohtani, including myself, are highly interested in this question, but it should be well understood that it is quite harsh to force Ohtani to resolve this question at present.

[@user-mf2fd6dq8x]

Ohtani needs to be Pressed. He can't plead Stupidity unless he is Stupid.lol.hahaha. Lots of athletes are Stupid....lol.hahaha

[@user-vt5fd8gb3s]

Best comment

[@FailedNBAComissioner]

At least MLB is not a fake sport like NBA.

[@jawless7616]

Read top comment. Completely negates this comment

[@eionrogers3302]

​@@rhettsycoplando4064 you clearly just read headlines and not the report by Tisha Thompson who broke the story. There has not been a single report that Shohei knew about the payments before the team meeting nor any proof that he made the deposits himself. All the details have yet to be uncovered, however, if Mizuhara had power of attorney over Shohei's accounts, then it is completely logical that Mizuhara would be able to take money from Shohei without him knowing. There is gonna be thorough investigation both criminally (FBI, IRS) as well as from the league. Calling Shohei a liar and claiming he is guilty makes you the ignorant one. There is something called presumption of innocence. The right thing to do is let this play out through the legal system instead of assuming guilt

[@L0NGRNGE]

Shotime is a legit role model. Sad this happened to him. Everybody needs to remember that he is really the only victim here.

[@Gulag00]

He’s a legend at the casino

[@MIO-yg1jf]

For those of you who are complaining about Otani not speaking English, why don't you start making an effort to learn Japanese? Ohtani is giving 120% toward his challenge as a two-way player and the goal of winning a championship for the Dodgers. That's right, Ohtani is going to play for the Dodgers for the next 10 years. If you are interested in him, why not master Japanese as soon as possible? You probably have more time than he does.

[@ifithrewmyguitaroutt]

Amen. Ohtani's job is to help his team win games, put butts in seats, and sell jerseys. If he can do all that with an interpreter and broken English, then he's doing just fine.

[@jpm5205]

Geez you’re delusional.

[@steviejohnson378]

Lmao this problem arose cause he didn’t spend enough time learning English

[@fj7763]

I think he speaks good english enough to play baseball. But it doesn't mean his english is good enough to speak about law, crime, gamble or any other fields which requires him to understand its terminology. My 1st language is Japanese and I speak okay English but i would definitely use Japanese if i were Ohtani, this is to make sure people understand what i explain correctly and to protect myself. All you say could be used against you, he surely needs to ask interpreter to speak for you.

[@WayneKandon]

​​@@fj7763exactly. Something the haters/racists don't get

[@misagrace]

I could not even open an account if I lived in Japan and had to open a bank account and deal with all bank activities in other languages. I could not even check account information in Japanese. People who tried to blame him, could not imagine how hard it could be to live in another country. I understand he had to leave all to Ippei or other Shohei team members. Huge betrayal and such a tragedy. I feel for him.

[@AKB48andAS1]

He's incredibly truthful, don't you think? You have to admit, he's a very sincere person.

[@jasonrosete490]

Nope

[@keikogregory6406]

Yes he is very sincere person.

[@oltch.]

BOT COMMENT

[@ya-jd6ff]

If Ippei had said that ”Shohei said this”, a person who does not speak Japanese would have believed what Ippei said, even if it was adapted by Ippei. That complicates the story.

[@nightstalker2929]

Well, shohei said he lied ya dummy

[@erniejohnson677]

He places bets on his own games. There now it’s not complicated

[@newme12309]

If you're a sports fan, root for your team instead of wishing the opposing team was guilty with unseemly speculation.

[@trevorcarey3997]

I agree, but the trolls have been knocking Shohei for three years now, but when a player is as great as Ohtani is there will hater's, Sad

[@MRkriegs]

I have not seen a single comment wishing that but I am not deep in the baseball circles. Agree with you

[@olivercool2308]

He’s a liar, you can’t go into a bank a wire money from someone else’s account bro

[@AO-bf6rd]

Well said.

[@poopolindos7163]

This is so sad to see Ohtani involved in this kind of crappy situation…😢😢😢

[@oltch.]

BOT COMMENT

[@nightstalker2929]

​@@oltch.Yeah yours

[@kcrang]

Being Japanese, i don't hear a single lies from the tone of his voice. He doesn't look nervous at all, so I can at least assume that he knows he did nothing wrong

[@olivercool2308]

He’s a liar!

[@tawandathurman886]

​@@olivercool2308You lie like a dog

[@holdonasec6196]

Lololol. Sounds like a guy that speaks English that grew up with another English speaker and let him be the fall guy.

[@userac-xpg]

Pointless statement. The facts are he wired money directly from his bank account to a bookie. He initially admitted doing this to pay his friend's gambling debt, and then later changed his story. Clearly he is lying and/or covering up the truth

[@ernst91]

You're biased so be quiet.

[@japanesecurry30]

Body language is universal!! dont just listen to the translations. listen to ohtani speak. you can tell his words are his own. with confidence.

[@markdavidson558]

Let's keep in mind, ohtani is the same guy who was sending all his money to his mom to handle it when he was playing for the Fighters. Ippei was his most trusted friend and assistant, it's not unfathomable to think he had access to funds.

[@trevorcarey3997]

The only and real victim is Ohtani in all of this, it's sad but alot of wealthy people get robbed from their employer's clients and workers, it happens 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 grambling and would steal from my wallet and then from our parents bank account by forging their signature)

[@robinali6903]

Lmao all these Ohtani marketing bots on here.

[@eionrogers3302]

@@robinali6903 bots? uhh ok buddy. so an opinion that differs from you is a bot. gotcha

[@WayneKandon]

​@robinali6903, are you still wetdreaming for Ohtani's failure😅 get a life

[@omgbygollywow]

@@eionrogers3302 LOL! Denial is strong with that one.

[@TheAR888]

In Japan, Shohei was famous for not spending money ever since he was a rookie with a Japanese baseball team. No as a saver, but as someone who doesn't care about money. Even in Japan, many professional baseball players buy expensive cars, clothes, foods and watches and live extravagant lives after joining the team. However, at the time, most of Shohei's receipts were for food from convenience stores. His parents said at the time that he was only saving money. He doesn't care about extravagance, he just loves playing baseball and is focused. When he came to Japan for World Baseball, he didn't do anything other than attend his classmates' reunions and refused even his teammates' invitations to go out for drinks. He is trully concentrating with all his heart on how much he can extend his baseball best career and the best time. Because he just loves baseball.

[@Stacksrap]

stardom can change your way of thinking. So you dont know what goes on in stars heads. But nice try kid

[@derrickket087]

To say he doesn’t care about money is ignorant otherwise he wouldn’t have signed the biggest contract in North American sports. Of course, he cares about money.

[@user-lb3pt2qv3o]

@@derrickket087彼は自腹で日本に対していろんな貢献をしてるよ。それに彼はフィールド外の契約の方がはるかに稼いでいると言われている。堅実な彼がギャンブルするレベルで金に執着あるようには思えないけどね

[@npcimknot958]

@@derrickket087ya agree.. 700 mil or whatever,. Ya you care about money lol

[@greenparkokada]

Hey ESPN! Say something, I'm waiting in Japan.

[@nobutakeuchi1713]

Yeah he’s telling the truth. The tone of his voice is a truthful man. Knowing his background, dude literally eats, sleeps and baseball

[@McShibby10]

As a gambling man myself I would bet that a Ohtani hasn’t gambled $1 in his life

[@jonathansdlam]

I like your take.

[@bryanrmcnair01]

I'll take the over on that...whats da parlay??

[@AICaliceinchains]

Logically what does he have to gain? He’ll be a billionaire after he retires probably in his 50s if he invests his money wisely, which I would be dumb to assume he isn’t. 4.5 million in bets for what? That’s like the average person risking their career for a couple thousand dollars. Doesn’t make a lot of sense.

[@jokerrhe]

@@AICaliceinchains it was a dare between him and his friend

[@justkeepingitreal2024]

I don't think Ohtani personally gambled but I do think he paid off Ippei Mizuhara's gambling debt. He effed up and now he and MLB are trying to sweep it under the proverbial rug so he won't get a lifetime suspension. They can't afford to do that.

[@kotama4162]

I trust him from the bottom of my heart. And about the US media still broadcasting against Ohtani…what is wrong with them?!! Are they trying to accuse and blame anything Japanese?!!…just like they did when Japan tried to have Tokyo Olympics!?? And US media was completely silent when China had the Olympics. Who are they working for REALLY?!!!!!!

[@Alex-kq1el]

I will always believe innocent until proven guilty. He seems very cooperative and deeply disgusted about what has happened.

[@carllange4297]

So do you believe innocent until proven guilty on Ippei too or just your baseball hero?

[@salmonjason4470]

@@carllange4297 both the illegal bookie and Ippei admitted Ippei was the one in contact and gambling. gambling addicts are chronic liars.

[@omegacroc2928]

@@carllange4297Ippei has admitted to be the one gambling and said he lied to Ohtani.

[@trevorcarey3997]

​@@carllange4297There's nothing that proves Shohei is guilty of anything, he did'nt sign any check to make payments and the wire transfer were done in computer, which Ippei had access to. People got to understand there's clients employer's and workers that embezzle and steal money from owner's of the bussines they work for all the time. This reminds me of my uncle whose an owner of a company of his bussiness, but a few years ago his manager (also a supervisor) took out money unknowingly from the company and used it on his expense. And that's what Ippie did also in this case.

[@codypanek]

He (Ippei) already admitted he isn’t innocent.

[@parodyproject968]

This interpreter is doing an excellent job. Nothing is added and nothing is subtracted. He is very quick too.

[@Hawaii96720]

Interpretation and Shorthand skills are 💯

[@glenncurley680]

Seems like a kind, gentle, innocent young man.

[@2006matthewwrx]

If he was guilty of wrongdoing, there's ZERO chance his attorney would allow him to speak this early on. I'm confident Shohei will be 100% cooperative and honest until it's put to bed.

[@1970rsc]

Maybe his attorneys don't know if he's actually guilty or not. I'm an attorney, and it's surprising how much my client's DON'T tell me and try to keep secret.

[@bobbyw1074]

If he was innocent he would answer questions. Questions like how could u not know you were missing money. How could ippei have access to your account. Would you like to see ippei rot in prison forever?

[@khsbaseball16]

@@1970rscalso he is reading a pre-written statement. Generally speaking hiding from press looks guilty, so this was needed to establish narrative. I’m assuming his attorneys wrote this out. Time will tell

[@1970rsc]

@@khsbaseball16 I'm not sure a prepared statement is indicative of hiding anything. He's still young (29) and doesn't seem like the kind of guy who does well with public speaking. Nerves, inexperience and reluctance to public speaking are all legit reasons he'd read from a prepared statement.

[@khsbaseball16]

@@1970rsc I never said he was trying to hide anything, I’m saying it’s smart to establish a narrative early. Nothing has been said for like 4 days and look at everyone and their speculation. He seems to do fine in most of his interviews, but let’s be real, a case like this that could hold heavy consequences are not going to be spoken off the cuff. His attorney definitely helped craft that statement

[@Brian-cs3xn]

Handled it like a true professional

[@NawfSideLightning]

If this is true, it is one of the biggest betrayals anyone can commit (friend or not). Feel bad for Shohei....

[@ConnorMiller417]

At this point, I believe Ohtani. Of course, we got to let the facts come out first. The FBI is investigating and they don’t play games, they won’t give Ohtani or Mizuhara any special treatment because they don’t do that with anyone. They’ll find out for sure who wired the money, how Mizuhara got access to Ohtani’s bank account, and where the money went. It’s already been proven Mizuhara lied about both graduating from a university in the US and also lied about working for the Red Sox. When you connect two and two together, Mizuhara looks like a conman who was taking advantage of Ohtani to cover his tracks and find a way to pay off his debt. Also to point out, Mizuhara wasn’t just an interpreter for Ohtani, he was more as a personal assistant/butler who helps with your living expenses and stuff. That could be how he had access to the account and transferred the money himself behind Ohtani’s back. Again, we’ll know for sure but the evidence so far points to Mizuhara being a con artist who used Ohtani for his own benefit.

[@tylergoodwin3546]

the FBI is the most corrupt agency in all of the US besides the IRS and the CIA, which essentially are all one entity, run by the same (((group))) of small hat people

[@userac-xpg]

Here are 3 facts. 1.The money was wired from Ohtani's bank account to the bookie. 2. Initially the story was Ohtani paid his friend's gambling debts, but later it changed after Ohtani was coached on how horrible gambling is to baseball. 3. A bookie somewhere let a guy who only makes 300k a year (the interpreter) rack up millions in gambling debts. Explain that one.

[@Wang944]

The fbi is extremely biased lol That being said… I think it will be in ohtani favor

[@pastelmilk8753]

I can c and tell he is mad and disappointed bout ippei how he talk ...shohei not showing his emotions much but today he is different...and I believe what he said

[@user-kh7gb2lb1e]

Ippei was able to deceive not only Ohtani but also most of the people around him, including Fighters, Angels and Dodgers. No one has found Ippei's resume is fraud until now. Ippei must be really good at deceiving.

[@kaultil8652]

Apparently to his wife as well.

[@XxXyzxX]

Every gambling addict is good at deceiving.

[@Scktt]

If only the bureaucrats in our federal government were scrutinized as much as these athletes

[@AlexZander688]

Politicians are legally allowed to get inside information on stock market and make millions off of it.

[@markmower6507]

You got that Right...

[@tylergoodwin3546]

@@AlexZander688 Alex, are you from the US, it's literally against the law. It's called inside trading and they've made SEVERAL laws restricting. The just find "loopholes" Congrats, you're the biggest dunce on the internet. Very simple google search will prove your lack of IQ

[@D_Da_Tree]

you want the government to govern themselves? lmao

[@Scktt]

@@D_Da_Tree I want paper ballots and 1 day voting. And tribunals

[@element720]

I BELIEVE IN SHOHEI ! Not saying he never makes mistakes but his only mistake here was being too trusting with his friend/translator!

[@Slily17]

오타니는 오타니구나... 역시 명확하고 간결합니다. 오타니 선수는 이번 시즌도 흔들리지 않고 잘해낼거라 믿어요. 오타니의 삶을 보아왔고 오타니가 어떤 사람인지 아는 팬들은 의심은 커녕 이 일을 딛고 더 멋지게 일어설 오타니 선수를 기대할겁니다. 아무쪼록 상처받은 마음이 치유되고 더 크게 도약하기를...

[@RoooP-dl3rv]

Athletes losing money to someone they trust happens more than you think. Like Tim Duncan lost $20 MILLION DOLLARS from his good friend/financial advisor and he only found out about it when he went through his divorce

[@eine52]

Yep, Tsuyoshi Shinjo too. He lost all his money to uncle he really trusted.

[@imnirvana9982]

But those people, whom they trusted, where in charge of their finances so they had access to their banking info. Why on earth did the interperter and friend have access to not just one of his bank account, but was able to wire $4 million from it without Ohtani or his finance people knowing about it. No one knew until the feds came knocking. Seems fishy. But we shall see after all the investigations going on now. The truth will come out. Hope Ohtani is clean.

[@laconfidential8504]

What’s crazy is that during Tim Duncan’s trial against that financial advisor the financial advisor asked Kevin Garnett to testify on his behalf. KG was defending the guy and saying he didn’t think he was capable of committing fraud like that… Few years later KG learned that he too had money stolen from him. 70 million dollars worth of it.

[@hayabusahaizuka8835]

Yup, Don King steal from Mike Tyson too

[@trevorcarey3997]

The only and real victim is Ohtani in all of this, it's sad but alot of wealthy people get robbed from their employer's clients and workers, it happens 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 grambling and would steal from my wallet and then from our parents bank account by forging their signature)

[@pw_jc]

Wow, imagine that scene in the clubhouse in Seoul, Ippa is telling all the Dodgers he's being investigated in english before he tells Othani, unreal, like Shakespeare or Rome.

[@1970rsc]

what does Seoul, Korea have anything to do with Otani or this story?

[@zenobuff]

That's where they were playing...​@@1970rsc

[@pw_jc]

@@1970rsc it speaks to the timing of when it happened.

[@1970rsc]

@@zenobuff and @pw_jc gotcha.

[@carllange4297]

Except that isn't the timeline. Ohtani's camp already knew and sent him in an interview

[@heavensroyalty9896]

I stand by Shohei, through and through

[@eternal_napalm6442]

All of you Dodgers fans do, no doubt.

[@MichaelWalker-wu2pq]

Stay away from messy friends, everyone. Love them at a distance.

[@nickcothran3307]

That’s true. But I do wonder which one is the friend to stay away from.

[@tednguyen7258]

stay away from everyone

[@joua7yaj]

@@nickcothran3307 I’d say have boundaries with all of your friends, even the ones closest to you. I love my friends but I’m quick to set boundaries when I think they’re getting way too comfortable with my generosity. Of course, not all friends are bad but sadly, we really don’t know who has bad intentions or not. It’s best to be safe than sorry.

[@kami_1789]

​@@nickcothran3307the one that's stealing your money? Honestly, you think Ippei would've stuck around if Ohtani wasn't making millions? Let's not forget, Ippei needed Ohtani, not the other way around.

[@nickcothran3307]

@@kami_1789 you’re exactly right. He needed ohtani. And what would be the point of him saying these bets were actually from ohtani. Who would win there?…just saying…they would both lose.

[@RockettServehard-li1do]

I like this interpreter better then ippei much clearer.

[@SuperiorPanda27]

I can actually agree with because he is probably going to be better in the future.I notice he is writing down what shohei Ohtani is saying.

[@workhardforit]

Lord, I don't ask for much. I just want a Shohei Ohtani in my life please.

[@user-vq2is3ug5b]

오타니 파이팅❤❤

[@93tilinfinity4life]

This is similar to Selina who head of her fan club was embezzling millions. Once confronted by Selena we all know what happened. Ohtani I believe got very lucky!

[@minyas8]

We continue to support you, Ohtani san. Don’t mind the people who spread malicious rumors about you because they are only envious of your success.👊🏻

[@workworkyb]

Breaks my heart that he has to experience it. But horrible things tend to happen to nicer person

[@koningklootzak7788]

Ohtani only wants to play baseball, nobody should interrupt him. Let us enjoy watching him play the game of baseball.

[@mkate1947]

I have never doubt you from day one. Everyone that has seen you through your career knows you could never.

[@memebobs9011]

Let this be a lesson to all of you, it doesn't matter if they're your best friend for over 5 years, anyone can do anything to you if they have the access. Beyond the fact that he's embroiled in a national news story about gambling, he just lost what he thought was his closest friend and confidant. Hopefully he can just focus on playing baseball and moving on with his life.

[@thepracticingguitarist]

What a pile of nonsensical jibberish. More like, hopefully the actual truth is revealed and justice is served.

[@darylmorales4838]

@@thepracticingguitaristcry more

[@sb17146]

@@thepracticingguitarist What truth? The actual truth or the "truth" you've already assumed because the man is Japanese and he plays for the Dodgers?

[@user-ky2ql9el6r]

Someone who is pure about baseball, sincere, and never lies.

[@GKBAE-wq7ie]

No matter what others say, Ohtani is a decent person!

[@PainandSorrow]

Dude had the best job in the world and was the greatest baseball player's homey ace and he threw it all away...What a fall from grace! Ippei will never be allowed to set foot in Japan again.

[@nepaliyuva408]

That’s what I thought

[@cinopeccino]

I understand how people in disbelief to see a person be so gullible and entrust an interpreter and allowed him an access to his finances. According to the media, Ohtani has known Ippei since he was an interpreter for an American player in Nippon ham fighters. They have known each other over 10 years. Ohtani is too committed to become the best baseball player, so he depended on his family, agent and I guess even Ippei to manage his important admin/financial matters. I've read Ippei sent a big sum of $ to donate to Japanese elementary schools on behalf of Ohtani before, and Ippei has the access to the account since then.

[@misagrace]

Also, I could not even open an account if I lived in Japan and had to open a bank account and deal with all bank activities in other languages. I could not even check account information in Japanese. People who tried to blame him, could not imagine how hard it could be to live in another country. I understand he had to leave all to Ippei or other Shohei team members. Huge betrayal and such a tragedy. I feel for him.

[@Nitiwire]

I speak both English and Japanese And Felt show his explanation was super clear. I’ve also been An executive assistant, before where I’ve had full access to my bosses bank accounts to pay for things like events and flights, and whatever he needed. I don’t think people realize that when you have so much money going in and out of accounts as I’m assuming Otani does, It can actually be pretty common to not audit every single transaction in the moment or even a month or two after. This isn’t some small personal banking account. With all the endorsements and everything everything he’s running there’s so much money going in and out and I could see it being very plausible, that these all just went unnoticed.

[@TC1912-]

Thanks ESPN! Your dedicated investigation uncovered this critical incident. I hope Otani's career continues to thrive in success.

[@happygundam559]

Please let me say as same Japanese. Otani is telling all truth. Until this interview I thought he covered up Ippei’s debts, but how he spoke made me believe Otani wad telling all truth. Some people questioned how Ippei access to ohtani’s bank account… that’s easy Ohtani taught Ippei all his personal information incl bank account / ID /password. For foreigners it’s hard to manage all payments/ utilities bill / tax in US in that beginning. I am cpa in California and even myself first year in US was tough in many occasions. To avoid all these, I believed shohei had Ippei have all payments task. Some people said why Ippei told a lie for the first interview with ESPN, that is easy. Ippei is addicted to gambling and no hesitation to telling a lie even though he knows the lie Is going to be uncovered soon. I know Someone who is like Ippei. He is very nice and wonderfully warm heart but telling a like all the time to cover he is drinking. He is alcoholic.

[@jhacjhac9852]

Shohei is a good guy he knows the rules in baseball i believe in him..

[@garishqualm344]

I'm from Taiwan and I believe this guy.

[@tothemax1517]

This actually makes more sense now. Coming from a family of immigrants myself, I know how common it is for immigrants who don't understand english to have some coordinator be a middle-man and give that person access to almost everything, including bank information. I'm sure it's especially difficult for someone with so much money to only want to give access to one person who they really trust, and that way, at the very least, if something goes wrong, you know who to point the finger to. If Ippei was acting as like a chief of staff for Ohtani, all of this makes sense. Ippei himself told media before that translating constitutes 10% of his actual work for Ohtani. Of course, Ohtani has more work to do to clarity the situation, but so far, that seems like a likely scenario. You also have to understand the context in Japanese culture, where men usually work for the family and live on an allowance provided by their parents when they’re single and their wives when they’re married. It’s very common for men to have zero handling of their finances. (Don’t believe me, ask literally anyone with substantive knowledge in Japanese culture.) In a foreign land, it would make sense that he had his closest confidante since 2013 handle it. Let’s also remember that if he was actually involved, as some seem to believe, it doesn’t make sense to implicate Ippei in a theft instead of just that he helped pay off Ippei’s debt-that would mean a higher sentence for Ippei, which makes it less likely for him to “take the fall” for this illegal gambling scheme, and would involve stricter investigations into Ohtani himself.

[@user-nm3sx5ni8v]

あなたの言う通りで、日本では結婚するとお金の管理は全部奥さんがやり夫はそこからお小遣いをもらって生活するのです。 基本的に男はお金の管理をやりません。

[@shinji5967]

I love him. Prayers ❤ Stay strong.

[@sssssssssn]

Ohtani is not the type of person who would get into gambling. He is not interested in spending money and dislikes flashy things. He grew up in a small town that has many rice fields where there are hardly any amusements or stores. His wife carries a $50 Zara purse still nowadays!!! His wife is a classy, sporty woman who wears minimal makeup or no makeup at all and no body-conscious dress! The only reason he drives a Porsche is because it's his sponsor, and the car was given to him for free. He has to drive that for advertisement purposes. His parents refused when Shohei offered to remodel their house, and his sister and brother refused when Shohei offered to buy a house for them, saying that they don't want to use Shohei's money. Shohei truly believes in karma and started picking up trash on the ground, believing that doing something good would bring good luck to him. He has been doing that since he was in high school. Shohei is a humble and good-hearted Japanese person. There is really no way he would get into gambling.

[@ymlee71]

Everything you said are facts and it’s sad there are people who even doubt his integrity

[@patriciaKnightley]

I believe Shohei. He’s got way too much to lose and way too smart of a person to throw away $ with gambling. And oh… why wasn’t the interpreter given a scripted translation…

[@tednguyen7258]

you hater clown...you should be banned from life

[@zerocool4781]

It's always the people you trust that betrays you

[@salmonjason4470]

The facts will come out. Ohtani made it public that he was a victim of fraud and his money stolen by Ippei. Ohtani is fully cooperating with the authorities and if Ohtani is lying he's going to jail now. Do some people still believe Ohtani is guilty? Athletes get money stolen all the time by people who they trusted. Also what is so messed about this situation is that the absolute best case scenario here for Ohtani is his best friend (former) stole from him and tried to implicate him in a federal crime.

[@kami_1789]

I think Ippei is taking full responsibility. Probably thought he could weasel out of it somehow but now that he can't, he's going to have to face the consequences

[@salmonjason4470]

@@kami_1789 He's not back in the US and is in hiding.

[@johnwray393]

Othani wouldn't go to jail guilty or not.

[@yoojboy4024]

As a fan for 10years, I know I can trust Shohei. Anyone has doubt about him will see the truth later.

[@user-uc5xi7pj8b]

Ohtani's body language says a lots. I dont think he did, but will wait and see. Yankee fan here.

[@WayneKandon]

Yep, ask any expert in body language. Guaranteed 100% Ohtani is telling the truth js

[@RC_928]

Why do Yankee fans feel the obligation to let everyone know they are Yankee fans?

[@user-of4yo9vz6c]

I hate Yankee cuz they always talk like they are the best😅 It is like a typical american

[@asphyxiafeeling]

​@@RC_928 In this instance, I think it's deflect from any criticism that he might be saying that as a biased Dodgers fan

[@NinerEmpire2481]

Nobody cares that you are a Skankees fan 🤡

[@chrisrice2083]

Its nice hear the facts and to hear whats true and not true

[@skim7221]

I’ve witnessed first hand this with a family member of a famous actress. The actress makes a lot of money and the family members wanted a part of it. The brother acted as the manager/agent but he was never satisfied with the cut that he gets. Him and the father would ask for money to spend on gambling and the daughter gladly gave them the money. You see, the gambling happens when that person is trying to make big money using someone else’s funds. For some its the casino, for some its sports betting.

[@markellison1388]

Then also witnessed when you knew what was going on.

[@csh22a]

Those who don't want to believe Otani's story here can wait for Ippei's rebuttal. If Otani is lying, Ippei, who has been accused of theft, will surely refute that Otani is lying. If Ippei does not refute that Otani is lying after this, it would automatically be like proving that Otani is telling the truth.

[@mamamamume1]

大谷翔平選手頑張って下さい応援しています。

[@Seael3]

As a Japanese, I will write about Otani already. In Japan, it is so peaceful that if you drop your wallet, someone will deliver it to you, and Otani is not really interested in money. Baseball is his reason for living. As others have said, he lived on a regular allowance and lived off the cars and clothes his sponsors gave him. And his parents managed billions of yen. His parents did not waste his money. This is the pride and trust of the Japanese people. Because God is watching. Ippei was not only his interpreter, but also his manager and friend, managing his accounts and supporting his meals. Otani trusted him that much, and this incident must have caused him more grief than anger. Still, Otani is a first-class player and will change his mind and play baseball, and I want to support him.

[@Seael3]

@@elaspic Japanese passports and pronunciations don't have the "h" in them. Don't worry about that🥴

[@alex5308]

Good input, how accurate was the translation?

[@jonathansdlam]

@@alex5308 Will did a decent job under intense pressure. I'm a Japanese/English interpreter myself and it was fun seeing him frantically taking notes lol. He did drop a couple of points here or there and made one mistake near the end saying "Ippei told Ohtani prior to the team meeting that he would talk to Ohtani back at the hotel and explain the situation privately." - in Ohtani's statement, he never indicated "when" Ippei told him this. It's possible Ippei told him he would explain everything back at the hotel after the team meeting, but under the current circumstances, it probably doesn't matter so I guess that's okay.

[@Seael3]

@@jonathansdlam That helps because I'm not a good English listener. Otani first learned about the gambling issue during the team meeting. And due to the lack of an interpreter, he was not able to do the content completely. Ippei then told him that he would tell him more about it when they were alone in the hotel room, and they talked after the game at the hotel. It was there that Otani was first told that Ippei had a large debt and that he had transferred money from his account to the bookmaker. He felt that was not right, so he called his agent, and the agent spoke with the team and said, "Team officials also learned that Ippei had been lied to.

[@appleforever6664]

BS😂

[@Idhdkurf]

I'm Japanese, but I want Americans to know about this new translator. I feel like he only translates about 80% of what's said. For starters, he uses "obviously" a lot, but Shohei never says "obviously" in Japanese. I think a real professional translator should have done this. Shohei's explanation in Japanese was perfect and left no room for doubt. Shohei's explanation in Japanese clearly and concisely shows that Shohei has nothing to do with gambling and that Ippei was telling a huge lie to everyone around him at the beginning.

[@user-id9ox9ov2y]

This reminds of one of my fav players, Ryan Howard. Let's remember that HE was betrayed by his OWN FAMILY. I believe Ohtani is a type of person who only focuses on his passion (baseball) and leaves everything else to his representatives.

[@jmolnar5799]

You don't need to understand someone to know if they are being honest. Ohtani is innocent, without a doubt

[@trevorcarey3997]

People are quick to judge. We live in a society where people are deemed guilty before innocence and innocent until proven guilty (especially in this social media age with the trolls) Let the facts and investigation do their job first.

[@1970rsc]

so you think the interpreter shouldn't have been fired, and that Otani is secretly to blame? Sounds like everyone is blaming the interpreter at this point.

[@hoanglan3558]

@@1970rscippei already admitted he’s gambling and lie to Shohei That’s why the dodgers fired him and being investigated by the fed

[@MrAitraining]

I think he was guilty of being too trusting and btw where is Ippei? The guy has to be in panic mode or is he already headed for the border?

[@trevorcarey3997]

The troll haters need to get a life, comes on accussing someone without facts. We all know why the trolls are disliking Shohei 1st-he's one of the best players in the game 2nd-he's Asian and the face of baseball 3rd-he's the highest paid player (deserves it he's like Cole and Judge as one player) but everytime the trolls come on and criticize the great Unicorn it only makes the trolls look like a fool.

[@anubizz3]

ESPN go radio silent when the truth come out, Steven A must be furious he might need to force to apologies AGAIN if he is not black he will be already get the boot.

[@Noeau]

If you are 100% not guilty of any wrongdoing, you would fight like a dog and be transparent to clear your name. If you are guilty, you would not say anything and probably hide behind a lawyer. Here he is doing the former and being forthright and clearing things up from his perspective. We don’t need to understand Japanese to see in his tone and body language that he is adamant and truthful to what he’s saying. Now Ippei needs to come clean and confirm that Shohei had no knowledge and had nothing to do with his crimes.

[@kylenader7276]

Wild already controversy before season has started

[@cafe-sx1cr]

Some of internet citizens are always finding faults with Ohtani.

[@user-wn5um9ck3y]

오타니 힘내라

[@housebed]

After all, the gambling was taking place without Otani's knowledge. His innocence was proven.

[@blackjackandmore6774]

This was intense as I’m sure many people had so many questions as to what was going on

[@TamTranTriZzle]

I must stay, this was by far, a lot of info he provided. Instead of the typical " I cannot comment due to an ogoing investigation" that we get from every one, Ohtani pretty much told us everything that pretty much answered all my main concerns and questions. The fact that he laid everything out from when and how he found out, tells me that he is 100% truthful. Because if he is hiding something, anything said here can come back around, so if someone is lying, they would not even take the risk of giving this exact Play by Play this early on. I believe him 100%

[@jeremiahm_8626]

That’s how you shut down the haters Shohei! They just can’t handle greatness and they will try anything to ruin your career!! Just stay focus on playing baseball from here on out!!!

[@frdmskns]

He’s telling the truth

[@user-dr2ym5jr7l]

There will always be skeptics and nothing will change their minds, not even final report saying he has nothing to do with it.

[@NPCRIP]

Now, ohtani, he looks calmed, but inside, he is pissed off. He is going to hit 75 homerun to get the anger out of him.

[@Brizza032]

I don’t speak his language but I think he’s saying more than what this translator is saying

[@USMC03VET]

Ohtani is about to have a LEGENDARY season! Mark my words, this situation just fueled the 🔥🔥🔥

[@KM-li9ow]

As for Ohtani's press conference, I certainly think people would have understood him better if he had spoken in English. However, if he spoke in English, he would only be reading from a manuscript. By speaking in Japanese, I was able to understand that he was speaking in spoken Japanese, whether in words or sentences, and that he was thinking on the spot. It was not as if I was reading from a manuscript, but I could read the emotion in each word. Unfortunately, however, only those who understand Japanese could understand him. Language is so difficult.

[@cecile4374]

“Ohtani didn’t explain how Ippei accessed his account“ Ask Ippei, not Ohtani 😂

[@user-rr2xo3uk8s]

Because it's under investigation, st*p*d

[@brocky]

I mean that's as genuine of a response that I've heard regarding a "scandal" like this. He's due for an upgrade and I'm 100% sure his camp will make sure to hire the right guys and the Dodgers will vet everything triple times. Dodgers probably wants to sue Ippei into oblivion for such a trouble he's caused.

[@user-ui5ir4xp3p]

大谷がベースボール以外の事を話せるのか？と心配だったけど、とても堂々としていて、そして少し怒りを含んでいるように見えた