Speculation regarding the Shohei Ohtani betting scandal continues to intensify following the Japanese star’s camp stating he was a victim of theft.
The Los Angeles Dodgers set things off when they fired Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, last week. The interpreter is understood to have held a 90-minute interview with ESPN in which he admitted to having used $4.5 million belonging to Ohtani to clear gambling debt, though he claimed the MLB player was fully aware.
The spokesperson who made Mizuhara available to the network would disavow his account later on, with lawyers for Ohtani claiming the sum was taken from his bank account without his knowledge.
To date, it is unknown as to whether or not a report has been made as the player’s representatives have declined to offer proof of such despite multiple requests from The Worldwide Leader In Sports.
Another interesting tidbit emerging from the saga was reported by the Los Angeles Times. The publication has revealed that the player has hired New York-based publicist Matthew Hiltzik, who has worked with the likes of Harvey Weinstein, Johnny Depp, and Alec Baldwin.
Also Read: Los Angeles Dodgers Had Special Rules For Shohei Ohtani’s Press Conference Amid Gambling Scandal
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Hiltzik also worked with Hillary Clinton during her U.S. Senate campaign.
The LA Times notes having left a voicemail for Ohtani’s agent Nez Balelo, also sending him an email, before the crisis public relations manager contacted them on the player’s behalf.
“The Times left a voicemail message with Balelo, the CAA agent, on March 15 and did not hear back,” the Times reports. “After the paper emailed Balelo the next day, the publicist Hiltzik responded and eventually said Ohtani had no comment.”
Shohei Ohtani’s People Have Hired A Lawyer With An Interesting Track Record
Ohtani’s reps are also reported to have hired West Hollywood attorney Andrew Brettler. Brettler has represented Chelsea Handler in the past, as well as several celebrities named in sex scandals such as convicted rapist Danny Masterson, Armie Hammer, and Prince Andrew.
While fans online have suggested that Ohtani could be in the wrong based on the clientele list represented by the aforementioned figures, it’s hardly an indication of guilt.
