Mookie Betts insists the gambling drama involving Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter won’t deter the World Series favorite Dodgers as MLB’s official Opening Day kicks off Thursday.
“No, no, no, no,” Betts recently told TMZ of a potential distraction. “We’re just focused on business, taking care of business and that’s all we keep first.”
While the Dodgers are projected to be baseball’s top team after a historic offseason, all the early focus has been on the illegal gambling allegations against Ohtani’s ex-interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.
Ohtani alleges he is the victim of a “massive theft” to offset gambling losses of at least $4.5 million accrued by Mizuhara.
The two-way superstar finally addressed the situation Monday and said he had no involvement.
There had been confusion about the story since Ohtani’s representatives first told ESPN he had transferred funds to cover Mizuhara’s debts.
Mizuhara offered details about what transpired but Ohtani’s camp later “disavowed” the interpreter’s account.
“Up until a couple of days ago, I did not know this was happening,” Ohtani said Monday. “In conclusion, Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has told lies.”
Ohtani also claimed he has never bet on baseball with gambling being illegal in California.
“I never bet on baseball or any other sports or never have asked somebody to do it in on my behalf,” Ohtani said. “I have never went through a bookmaker to bet on sports.”
The Department of Homeland Security is working with the IRS to investigate the situation, according to ESPN, along with MLB, but Ohtani’s camp has been mum on which authorities are involved.
As Ohtani and the Dodgers deal with the fallout, they will attempt to meet their lofty expectations.
What to know about Shohei Ohtani's accusations against his former interpreter
Lawyers representing Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani have accused his now-former interpreter and longtime friend Ippei Mizuhara of “massive theft” in a $4.5 million bombshell.
Mizuhara, who followed the two-time AL MVP from the Angels after he signed a 10-year, $700 million deal this offseason, reportedly accrued massive gambling debts he needed to pay off.
Mizuhara first told ESPN Ohtani offered to pay off the debt and later changed his story, insisting the Japanese star was unaware of the eight-nine wire transfers made from his accounts to an alleged illegal bookmaker.
Ohtani’s camp has “disavowed” Mizuhara’s initial story, per ESPN.
He was fired shortly after the Dodgers’ season opener against the Padres in Seoul, South Korea, and Ohtani has yet to publicly address the situation, though his camp is pushing for a law enforcement investigation amid an IRS probe.
“I never bet on baseball,” Mizuhara told ESPN. “That’s 100%. I knew that rule. … We have a meeting about that in spring training.”
All sides claim Ohtani has no involvement in any gambling.
After adding Ohtani for a record $700 million, starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the richest pitching deal ever and former Rays ace Tyler Glasnow, expectations are sky-high for the 2024 Dodgers.
Most pundits project the Dodgers and Braves on a collision course in the NL, although the Phillies and several others could have something to say.
Betts has enjoyed getting to know Ohtani, who has been hitting behind him in the two-hole.
“It’s awesome,” Betts told TMZ. “Really good teammate, which you really don’t hear a whole lot because a lot of things are private with him. Really good to see him up close and personal, and see how he works and goes about his day. It’s awesome.”
The Dodgers (1-1) opened the season last week with a brief two-game set against the Padres in South Korea and have their home opener Thursday against the Cardinals at 4:10 p.m. ET.
