Shohei Ohtani’s former teammates have said they are “shocked” by the investigation and allegations surrounding the Dodgers star, his longtime interpreter Ippei Mizuhara and $4.5 million in gambling debts.
Major League Baseball announced on Friday that it had launched an investigation into the allegations surrounding Mizuhara and Ohtani.
Mizuhara was fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers amid questions about at least $4.5 million in suspicious wire transfers from the pitchers’ bench to a California gambling operation that ESPN reports is under federal investigation.
Ohtani’s lawyers have claimed that the highest-paid baseball player was the victim of a “massive theft.”
The Japanese star joined the Dodgers this season with a record $700 million contract. Ohtani previously spent five years with the Angels and his former teammates in Los Angeles were stunned by the recent developments.
Major League Baseball is investigating the allegations surrounding Shohei Ohtani and his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara
Ohtani and Mizuhara previously worked together during his time with the Los Angeles Angels
“I’m just shocked, and I’m as curious as anyone to see what comes out,” Angels outfielder Mickey Moniak said USA today.
‘I have no idea what’s going to happen, or what’s happened in how many years. But great friends, great people. Ippei was part of the team just like anyone else.”
According to the report, Angels players said they had no idea of the alleged gambling debts or that Ohtani or his interpreter had any interests outside of baseball.
One player reportedly said the two-way star was so quiet that teammates didn’t know he even had a girlfriend before he got married earlier this year.
“I’m just shocked, and I’m as curious as anyone to see what comes out,” said Mickey Moniak
Ohthani went home after games and rarely left his hotel room.
Mizuhara, meanwhile, was a popular figure in the clubhouse, with the likes of Mike Trout considering him “one of the guys.”
Any MLB official or player caught betting on baseball games in which he/she is not involved will automatically face a one-year ban. If they are found to have bet on a game in which they are involved, they will be banned for life.
“We’ll just have to wait and see what happens, I guess,” Moniak said. “I mean, it’s legal in 38 states. So as long as he doesn’t gamble on baseball… I hope it all works out.”