Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is at the center of a gambling scandal, hopefully through no fault of his own.
But a video that’s recently popped up on social media has set off some debate among fans as the standout pitcher and hitter is shown playing a mini-game with interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.
Mizuhara was recently fired by the Dodgers and stands accused of stealing $4.5 million from Ohtani to pay off gambling debt. Initial reports claimed the player had allowed his longtime friend and translator to appropriate the funds to clear said debt. But the latter’s account has been disavowed, with Ohtani’s lawyers claiming the Japanese star was the victim of a “massive theft.”
Sources have made claims of Ohtani being very much against gambling and had no involvement in what was going on. However, an X/Twitter user has shared a video showing him engaging in a game with Mizuhara in the Los Angeles Angels’ dugout during a game, suggesting they had money going on it.
Also Read: REPORT: Bookie At Center Of Betting Scandal Told Others That Shohei Ohtani Was His Client
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The post has prompted some debate. You can see some of the best reactions below:
Shohei Ohtani Said To Be More Open With Teammates Since Mizuhahra’s Firing
Shohei Ohtani has been a bit of a mystery ever since his move to the United States, given how isolated he’s been since he doesn’t speak English. This allowed Mizuhara to become a celebrity of sorts as he was always with one of the most popular athletes in sports, while anyone who wanted access to the player had to go through him.
With the latter gone, Ohtani is already more open with his teammates, at least according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
“There’s no longer a buffer,” Roberts said, via the Daily Mail. “I’ve already seen it. The last couple days, I think Shohei’s been even more engaging with his teammates, and I think there’s only upside with that.”
Also Read: REPORT: Shohei Ohtani Has Caught The Attention Of Tax Regulators “Multiple Times”
