Los Angeles Dodgers' baseball player and twice MVP Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to address the media on Monday, regarding allegations concerning his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.
Mizuhara was terminated by the MLB team amid accusations of stealing from Ohtani to pay off gambling debts.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts anticipates that Ohtani's remarks will help clarify the situation.
Despite ongoing scrutiny, Roberts says Ohtani's interactions with teammates remain unaffected.
Details regarding the timing and location of Ohtani's press conference are pending disclosure by the Dodgers. The allegations against Mizuhara surfaced during the team's season-opening series in Seoul, South Korea, leading Major League Baseball (MLB) to initiate a formal investigation.
According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, Ohtani's legal representatives disclosed Mizuhara's alleged use of the player's funds to settle debts with an illicit bookmaker, currently under federal scrutiny. However, neither Ohtani's attorneys nor Mizuhara have commented on the allegations.
Ohtani, a two-time American League Most Valuable Player, joined the Dodgers last December following a high-profile signing worth $700m over 10 years.
This development occurs amid ongoing efforts within professional sports leagues to promote responsible gambling practices. In November 2023, the National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Hockey League (NHL) collaborated on the ‘Never Know What's Next’ campaign.
This initiative aims to educate bettors on the unpredictable nature of sports and promote responsible gambling behaviour. Supported by sports betting operators, including DraftKings and FanDuel, the campaign directs fans to resources provided by the National Council on Problem Gambling.
