Shohei Ohtani Dragged Through the Mud Again in Ippei Mizuhara Gambling Scandal
April 06, 2025 – Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani finds himself back in the headlines for all the wrong reasons as the fallout from the Ippei Mizuhara gambling scandal continues to cast a shadow over his illustrious career. Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing by Major League Baseball (MLB) and federal authorities, Ohtani’s name is once again being dragged through the mud as new developments in the case reignite public scrutiny. The saga, which began in 2024, has taken another turn with Mizuhara’s sentencing and fresh allegations that continue to fuel speculation about Ohtani’s involvement, even as evidence points to his innocence.
The Scandal That Rocked Baseball
Shohei Ohtani, the two-way phenom who has redefined modern baseball, was thrust into controversy in March 2024 when reports surfaced that his longtime interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, had stolen nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account to pay off massive gambling debts. Mizuhara, who had been by Ohtani’s side since his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, was accused of exploiting his position to access Ohtani’s finances, impersonating the player in calls to the bank, and siphoning funds to an illegal bookmaker. The scandal broke during the Dodgers’ season-opening series in Seoul, South Korea, casting a pall over what should have been a celebratory moment for Ohtani, who had just signed a record-breaking $700 million contract with the Dodgers.
Mizuhara initially claimed that Ohtani had willingly paid off his debts, a story he later recanted. Federal investigations revealed that Mizuhara had placed around 19,000 bets between December 2021 and January 2024, winning $142 million but losing over $180 million. The stolen funds were used not only to cover these debts but also to purchase $325,000 worth of baseball cards and pay for Mizuhara’s dental bills. Ohtani, who has consistently denied any involvement in gambling, was declared a victim of fraud by both the MLB and federal prosecutors. In June 2024, MLB closed its investigation, stating that Ohtani had no knowledge of Mizuhara’s actions, and the Dodgers expressed relief that the matter was behind them as they pursued a World Series title—which they ultimately won in October 2024.
Mizuhara’s Sentencing and New Allegations
On February 6, 2025, Ippei Mizuhara was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison for bank and tax fraud, along with three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $18 million in restitution, with nearly $17 million going to Ohtani and the remainder to the IRS. During the sentencing in Santa Ana, California, Mizuhara expressed remorse, apologizing to Ohtani and acknowledging the harm he had caused. “I am truly sorry to Mr. Ohtani for what I have done,” Mizuhara said in court, admitting that his actions were driven by financial strain and a gambling addiction—a claim prosecutors disputed, arguing that there was no evidence of a gambling addiction prior to the thefts and that Mizuhara’s motives were rooted in greed.
Despite Mizuhara’s guilty plea and Ohtani’s exoneration, the scandal has refused to die down. On April 2, 2025, a Las Vegas casino was fined $10 million for its involvement with Mizuhara, prompting renewed speculation about the extent of the gambling network and whether Ohtani could have been aware of Mizuhara’s activities. Posts on X have reflected a mix of skepticism and frustration, with some users questioning why the bookmaker, Mathew Bowyer, never asked Mizuhara if Ohtani knew about the gambling, as reported on April 6, 2025. Bowyer, who pleaded guilty in August 2024 to running an illegal gambling operation, claimed in a recent interview that he believed Mizuhara had a “massive gambling addiction” but maintained that Ohtani was a victim, a stance supported by MLB’s findings.
Ohtani’s Reputation Under Fire
For Ohtani, the constant resurfacing of the scandal has been a source of frustration. The 2024 season was a historic one for the Japanese superstar—he became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, earning his third MVP award and leading the Dodgers to a World Series title. Yet, the gambling scandal has overshadowed his achievements, with some fans and media outlets continuing to question his innocence despite the lack of evidence. The narrative that Ohtani might have known about Mizuhara’s gambling has persisted, fueled by the close relationship between the two. Mizuhara was more than just an interpreter; he was a trusted confidant who handled many aspects of Ohtani’s life in the U.S., from communication with teammates to managing his finances.
Prosecutors have emphasized that Ohtani was an unwitting victim, pointing to a nearly four-minute audio recording released in January 2025, which captured Mizuhara impersonating Ohtani to wire $200,000 from his account. Federal authorities also found no evidence that Mizuhara bet on baseball, a critical detail given MLB’s strict rules against sports betting by players. Ohtani himself addressed the scandal in March 2024, stating, “I am very saddened and shocked that someone who I trusted has done this.” Since then, he has largely remained silent on the matter, focusing on his performance on the field.
The Broader Implications for MLB
The Mizuhara scandal has raised broader questions about the prevalence of gambling in professional sports and the vulnerabilities of foreign players who rely heavily on interpreters. Mizuhara’s influence over Ohtani’s finances was so significant that even Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo, communicated with the player through Mizuhara, granting the interpreter an unusual degree of control. This dynamic has led to calls for better oversight and support systems for international athletes in the MLB, particularly those who face language barriers.
The scandal also comes at a time when sports betting is more accessible than ever in the U.S., with 38 states legalizing it, though it remains illegal in California. The involvement of a Las Vegas casino in the Mizuhara case has highlighted the challenges of regulating illegal bookmaking operations, especially when they intersect with high-profile athletes. Some have speculated that the MLB may be protecting Ohtani due to his status as the face of the league, a sentiment echoed in posts on X, but the lack of concrete evidence against him makes such claims speculative at best.
What’s Next for Ohtani?
As of April 06, 2025, Ohtani is preparing for the 2025 MLB season, which is already underway. The Dodgers, fresh off their 2024 championship, are favored to repeat, with Ohtani expected to return to pitching after undergoing elbow surgery in 2023. On the field, he remains a transcendent talent, but off the field, the gambling scandal continues to haunt him. Mizuhara’s sentencing may have closed one chapter, but the lingering questions and public skepticism suggest that Ohtani’s reputation may take longer to fully recover.
For now, Ohtani’s focus is likely on letting his performance speak for itself. His resilience in the face of adversity has been remarkable—he didn’t miss a beat in 2024 despite the scandal, and there’s little reason to believe 2025 will be any different. However, the MLB and the Dodgers will need to address the systemic issues exposed by this scandal to prevent similar situations in the future. For fans, the hope is that Ohtani can finally move past this dark chapter and continue to make history as one of baseball’s greatest players.
