MLB announces decision on Shohei Ohtani gambling investigation
March 20, 2024; Seoul, SOUTH KOREA; Los Angeles Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani reacts after playing against the San Diego Padres during a MLB regular season Seoul Series game at Gocheok Sky Dome. Photo Credit: Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters via USA TODAY Sports
Shohei Ohtani is no longer under investigation over his connection to former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara’s illegal gambling activity, and Major League Baseball is confident that the Los Angeles Dodgers star did nothing wrong.
Mizuhara pleaded guilty in a federal court on Tuesday to bank and tax fraud charges. He is facing a maximum of 33 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 25.
NEWS: Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani’s former and longtime interpreter, pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud charges during a change-of-plea hearing in federal court this morning.
Total maximum sentence: 33 years.
Sentencing is set for Oct. 25 at 2 pm PT.
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) June 4, 2024
Shortly after Mizuhara entered the plea, MLB announced that it has closed its investigation into Ohtani and cleared the Dodgers star.
“MLB considers Shohei Ohtani a victim of fraud and this matter has been closed,” the league said in a statement.
After Ippei Mizuhara's guilty plea, MLB has cleared Shohei Ohtani and closed its investigation, citing the thoroughness of the federal investigation and the criminal proceedings not being contested.
“MLB considers Shohei Ohtani a victim of fraud and this matter has been closed.”
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 4, 2024
Ohtani had already been fully exonerated by authorities and is being treated as a victim in the Mizuhara case. MLB indicated back in April that Ohtani was viewed the same in the eyes of the league but left open the possibility that Ohtani would be investigated further.
Mizuhara initially said that Ohtani helped him pay off a gambling debt, which is a claim that was backed up by Ohtani’s representatives. Mizuhara then abruptly changed his story to say that he had stolen funds without Ohtani’s knowledge. Investigators have compiled evidence indicating Mizuhara stole much, much more than the $4.5 million that was initially reported.
Ohtani is in his first season with the Dodgers after signing a record 10-year, $700 million deal during the offseason. The two-way star has not pitched for his new team after suffering an elbow injury last year, but he has been plenty productive at the plate. Ohtani entered Tuesday batting .322 with 14 home runs, 38 RBI and a .988 OPS.
