Dodgers firing Shohei Ohtani's interpreter after reports of theft has sparked controversy and outrage among fans and the baseball community. The interpreter, who has been with Ohtani since he joined the team, was accused of stealing personal items from the Japanese pitcher.
This incident raises questions about trust and integrity within professional sports teams. The role of an interpreter is crucial in helping players communicate effectively with their teammates, coaches, and media. To have that trust broken by allegations of theft is deeply troubling.
Ippei Mizuhara, the longtime friend and interpreter for Ohtani, incurred the gambling debts to a Southern California bookmaking operation that is under federal investigation, multiple sources told ESPN. How he came to lose his job started with reporters asking questions about the wire transfers.
Ohtani told ESPN the slugger had transferred the funds to cover Mizuhara's gambling debt. The spokesman presented Mizuhara to ESPN for a 90-minute interview Tuesday night, during which Mizuhara laid out his account in great detail. However, as ESPN prepared to publish the story Wednesday, the spokesman disavowed Mizuhara's account and said Ohtani's lawyers would issue a statement
Mizuhara is a familiar face to baseball fans as Ohtani’s constant companion, interpreting for him with the media and at other appearances since Ohtani came to the U.S. in 2017. He even served as Ohtani’s catcher during the Home Run Derby at the 2021 All-Star Game. When Ohtani left the Los Angeles Angels to sign a $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers in December, the club also hired Mizuhara.
Dodgers said in a statement they were "aware of media reports and are gathering information.
“The team can confirm that interpreter Ippei Mizuhara has been terminated,” the statement said. "The team has no further comment at this time.”
"In the course of responding to recent media inquiries, we discovered that Shohei has been the victim of a massive theft, and we are turning the matter over to the authorities," a statement from West Hollywood law firm Berk Brettler reportedly read. The BBC has contacted the law firm for confirmation.
Mr Ohtani recently signed a record 10-year, $700m contract with the Dodgers, after winning his second unanimous American League MVP award.
His stint in the US started in 2018, and Mr Mizuhara has been a constant companion. He and his wife were recently seen in a picture which unveiled Mr Ohtani's wife, Mamiko Tanaka after weeks of speculation.
Mr Mizuhara's ability to interpret Mr Ohtani's comments into colloquial English has been widely praised in Japan.
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