Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, has been accused of theft after stealing nearly $17 million from the Dodgers star. Mizuhara will be sentenced to prison for 57 months for his involvement in fraudulent gambling.
Mizuhara stole money from Ohtani to pay off his gambling debt. The acting Acting United States Attorney, Joseph McNally, stated that he exploited his dream job to steal millions for the MLB star. He further mentioned that Mizuahara will pay the price by spending time in prison.
MLB fans took to social media to share their thoughts on Ippei Mizuhara’s order to repay Ohtani. Some fans think Ohtani is a part of a scandal, but most fans say he was a victim.
Ippei Mizuhara has been sentenced to 57 months in prison beginning on March 24. He is also ordered to pay restitution of nearly $17 million to Shohei Ohtani.
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) February 6, 2025
(via @SamBlum3) pic.twitter.com/yhwQK2FN2a
Here’s a look at some fan reactions on X.
“The $17 million will be deferred to 2060,” wrote one fan.
The $17 million will be deferred to 2060
— Peyton (@pslater0) February 6, 2025
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“How is he going to pay 17 Million?” asked another fan.
how is he going to pay 17 Million?
— Sports betting lead expert (@mypenplease) February 7, 2025
“$17 million, not too bad. Just 1 parlay away,” one fan wrote.
$17 million, not too bad. Just 1 parlay away.
— Cowboy Hat Caterpie Please 🤠 (@MikeNerdlaw) February 7, 2025
“There’s only one way he can come up with the money,” one fan responded.
There’s only one way he can come up with the money..
— tom o'boyle (@tomoboyle) February 6, 2025
“Lol, if this dude had $17M he never would’ve needed to defraud Ohtani,” another fan replied.
Lol, if this dude had $17M he never would’ve needed to defraud Ohtani.
— Diggiman (@CrisDiggi) February 6, 2025
Ippei replied to the judge after sentencing:
— Pete Halvorsen (@petehalvorsen) February 6, 2025
"How about we make things interesting? Lets say double or nothing on #SuperBowl?"
Buddy is gonna have to play in squid games
— Zach Stott (@Zach_Stott13) February 6, 2025
He's going to have to place a lot of bets to make that money
— Patrick Abbott, Author (@PatrickKAbbott) February 6, 2025
Ippei Mizuhara Apologizes To Shohei Ohtani Before Being Sentenced
The interpreter said he was guilty of his actions and apologized to Shohei Ohtani before his sentence was passed. Mizuhara said he was prepared to accept the consequences.
“I am truly sorry to Mr Ohtani for what I have done. I know an apology will not fix the crime I committed. This mistake will impact me for the rest of my life, and I’m prepared to accept the consequences,” Mizuhara said via BBC.
Ohtani seems to have gotten his justice, and Ippei Mizuhara’s betting scandal has finally ended. However, many believe that Ohtani might not take back Mizuhara’s money. MLB trade rumors continue to swirl around free agents like Anthony Rizzo.
