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Dodgers Break Silence on Firing Ohtani Interpreter Amid Gambling Allegations

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Dodgers
By J.P. Hoornstra | Last updated 3/20/24

The Dodgers issued a statement Wednesday after firing Shohei Ohtani's interpreter.

Ippei Mizuhara was identified in multiple reports as the connection to an alleged sports gambling operation, funneling $4.5 million from an account linked to Ohtani to Southern California bookmaker Mathew Bowyer, who is the target of a federal investigation.

Statement from the Dodgers:

“The Dodgers are aware of media reports and are gathering information. The team can confirm that interpreter Ippei Mizuhara has been terminated. The team has no further comment at this time.”
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 21, 2024

“The Dodgers are aware of media reports and are gathering information," the statement read. "The team can confirm that interpreter Ippei Mizuhara has been terminated. The team has no further comment at this time.”

Manager Dave Roberts is scheduled to address reporters in Seoul at 3:15 p.m. Thursday (11:15 p.m. Wednesday in Los Angeles) as part of his regular pregame media obligations.

According to The Athletic, which cited an unnamed MLB official, Ohtani is not currently facing discipline from the league.

The contract between Ohtani and the Dodgers does require the team to provide him an interpreter, as is typical for Japanese-speaking players. Expect the team to have a new interpreter in place today.

The firing of Mizuhara, who had been Ohtani's only interpreter since he signed with the Angels in Dec. 2017, does not permit Ohtani to opt out of his 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Dodgers and was syndicated with permission.

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