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Dodger Star Shohei Ohtani And His Former Interpreter To Be Investigated By MLB Amid Gambling Allegations
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani gestures as he warms up during batting practice prior to an opening day baseball game at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea, on March 20, 2024.
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Lee Jin-man/AP
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AP
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Topline:
Shohei Ohtani is being investigated by Major League Baseball for the gambling allegations surrounding the Dodger superstar and his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who was fired by the team Wednesday.
Why it matters: Ohtani’s bank account allegedly wired millions of dollars to an illegal bookmaker, who is currently under federal investigation, as reported by ESPN and the L.A. Times.
Why now: The league confirmed in a statement that it's been gathering information about the allegations since they learned about them in the news earlier this week, and began their formal process Friday.
The backstory: Mizuhara, Ohtani’s years-long interpreter who he’s described as a “best friend,” originally said the player had paid off his gambling debts, but his lawyers later said Ohtani was really the victim of a “massive theft.”
What's next: The Dodgers’ home opener against the St. Louis Cardinals is Thursday, but fans can catch the team at home on Sunday when they play against the Angels for their final spring training game.
Go deeper: Learn more about the allegations.
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