Alleged Shohei Ohtani impersonations, more than $16M stolen, other wild details emerge as ex-interpreter charged
Explosive new details have emerged surrounding two-time MVP Shohei Ohtani and his former longtime interpreter's gambling controversy.
Federal authorities announced in a Los Angeles court on Thursday that Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani's ex-interpreter, had been charged with bank fraud. ESPN's Alden Gonzalez reported that "it was discovered [Mizuhara] transferred more than $16M" from the Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter's account to an "alleged illegal sports book."
Per Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic, bank fraud is a felony offense that can carry a "statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison."
Further reports include wild details from the case, including that Mizuhara allegedly impersonated Ohtani during discussions with a bank.
In the wake of Thursday's news, MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince provided a breakdown of various things that $16M can buy.
The two-way sensation and three-time All-Star hasn't let the scandal impact his performance through the early portion of the 2024 season.
Ohtani enters Thursday leading MLB in doubles (eight), tied with teammate Mookie Betts for the league lead in total bases (40) and tied with another teammate, Will Smith, for second place in the NL in hits (21).
The Dodgers have raced out to a three-game lead in the NL West at 10-5, as every other team in the division is under .500.
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