Shohei Ohtani finally broke his silence.
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani spoke out for the first time since his interpreter was fired over allegations of “massive theft” related to a gambling controversy.
Before that presser was set to happen, the Los Angeles Dodgers wanted everybody to know that there were some rules in place for Shohei Ohtani as he spoke out.
One of the rules was that Ohtani wouldn’t be taking any questions and he also wouldn’t allow cameras in the room.
“Dodgers announce that Shohei Ohtani’s press conference will be at approximately 2:45. No cameras will be allowed in the interview room but it will be carried on SNLA and MLB Network. Ohtani is not expected to take questions,” Bill Plunkett reported on Monday.
Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired by the Dodgers hours after the season opener Wednesday, with the Los Angeles Times reporting that he allegedly committed “massive theft” against Ohtani.
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The IRS is conducting a criminal investigation of Mizuhara and Major League Baseball is conducting its own internal probe.
The pitcher, appearing in a Dodgers sweatshirt and cap, expressed disappointment with his former interpreter, whom he blamed for the controversy.
Also Read: REPORT: Bookie At Center Of Betting Scandal Told Others That Shohei Ohtani Was His Client
“I’m very saddened and shocked that someone who I trusted has done this,” Ohtani said Monday.
“Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has told lies,” Ohtani said in Japanese with the help of a different interpreter.
The scandal was first reported Wednesday by The Los Angeles Times and ESPN.
Shohei Ohtani Helped Out The Dodgers After Signing Massive $700 Million Contract
In an effort to enable the Los Angeles Dodgers to continue spending around stars, Shohei Ohtani will make $2 million per year in salary after he signed a record $700 million contract in free agency.
That means the most talented player in the game will get less than the average backup catcher. Starting in 2034, however, Ohtani will receive annual installments of $68 million.
Ohtani doing this allows the Dodgers to be able to make other moves to ensure the team remains competitive for the entirety of his contract.
Also Read: New Report Details How A Bankrupt Bettor Became The Bookie At Center Of The Shohei Ohtani Scandal
