CNN
—
Los Angeles Dodgers famous person Shohei Ohtani issued a forceful and detailed assertion to reporters Monday denying he’d ever participated in any sports activities playing amid the mounting scandal involving allegations his former interpreter stole cash from him and positioned sports activities bets.
Ohtani stated his translator had been “stealing cash” from his accounts to repay money owed from a “playing dependancy” and he had no data of the scheme.
“I’m very saddened and shocked that somebody who I’ve trusted has executed this,” Ohtani stated.
The remarks from Ohtani, who sometimes shies from media interviews, have been his first public feedback because the scandal broke.
The allegations got here to mild final week when Ohtani’s Japanese interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired after Ohtani’s legal professionals accused him of “huge theft” of tens of millions of {dollars} and inserting bets with a bookmaker underneath federal investigation, based on ESPN and the Los Angeles Instances, which first reported the story.
Ohtani signed an unparalleled 10-year, $700 million take care of the Dodgers this offseason after profitable the American League MVP award twice over the previous three seasons as a pitcher and designated hitter with the Los Angeles Angels.
The scandal has threatened to overshadow the beginning of MLB’s Opening Day on Thursday, challenged the general public’s understanding of one in every of baseball’s largest stars, and introduced renewed scrutiny to skilled sports activities’ closeness with playing.
The league prohibits gamers, coaches, umpires and staff from playing on baseball or inserting wagers on any sport with an individual working an unlawful playing operation. Copies of Rule 21 are required to be posted in each clubhouse.
Main League Baseball and the Inside Income Service are individually investigating Mizuhara.
“Main League Baseball has been gathering info since we realized concerning the allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara from the information media,” officers stated in a information launch final week. “Earlier at this time, our Division of Investigations started their formal course of investigating the matter.”
The IRS Prison Investigation Los Angeles Area Workplace is investigating each Mizuhara and Mathew Bowyer, IRS spokesman Scott Villiard informed CNN on Friday.
Bowyer, a former bookmaker, is a California resident who chapter court docket paperwork present had playing money owed of $425,000 greater than a decade in the past.
Ohtani and Mizuhara first labored collectively from 2013 to 2017 when Mizuhara served as a translator for the Nippon-Ham Fighters, Ohtani’s crew with Japan’s Nippon Skilled Baseball League, based on MLB.com. When Ohtani joined the Angels in 2018, he requested Mizuhara to affix him as his translator in his MLB rookie season, and Mizuhara ultimately adopted the star to the Dodgers.
ESPN’s Tisha Thompson, citing a number of unnamed sources, stated on CNN’s “The Lead” final week not less than $4.5 million was withdrawn by way of wire switch from Ohtani’s financial institution accounts, although it’s unclear who initiated the transfers.
CNN has sought remark from Mizuhara and Ohtani’s agent. Ohtani’s attorneys haven’t detailed how they consider the funds have been stolen, fueling questions concerning the scandal that emerged as Ohtani made his much-anticipated debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers whereas in South Korea.
MLB launches investigation into Ohtani allegations
An legal professional for Bowyer, the previous bookmaker underneath federal investigation associated to playing, stated he by no means met or had “any direct contact” with Ohtani however did do enterprise with Mizuhara.
“Mathew Bowyer by no means spoke with or emailed with or texted with or had any contact in any respect with Shohei Ohtani,” the legal professional, Diane Bass informed CNN in an on-camera interview on Saturday.
The legal professional additionally stated Ohtani’s interpreter by no means wager on baseball.
When discussing Ohtani’s identify on “one of many wire transfers to Bowyer’s group to cowl a wager,” Bass stated Saturday, “so far as Mr. Bowyer understood, the wager was from Ippei, or it was being coated by Mr. Ohtani for Ippei.”
Bass emphasised whereas Bowyer is underneath federal investigation, he has not been charged with a criminal offense. She stated Bowyer stopped his bookmaking operation in October 2023 when “feds confirmed up at his home.”
Bowyer met Mizuhara after a Padres recreation in San Diego in 2022, based on Bass. She informed CNN she doesn’t understand how usually Mizuhara positioned bets or how a lot he wager, however stated Bowyer informed her Mizuhara positioned bets commonly on “primarily soccer, often soccer and basketball, however it was by no means baseball.”
Mizuhara informed ESPN final Tuesday, “I by no means wager on baseball … That’s 100%. I knew that rule. … Now we have a gathering about that in spring coaching.”
Bass stated Mizuhara’s playing “received out of hand at a sure level,” however “he was making common funds for a major period of time.”
Requested whether or not the funds have been coming from Mizuhara’s or Ohtani’s account, Bass replied, “I truthfully don’t know what number of transfers got here from which account(s), (or) whether or not it was multiple account. I don’t have entry to that info,” she informed CNN.
Shifting explanations and statements
The saga started with reporters asking questions on alleged wire transfers from Ohtani’s checking account. Right here’s how the scandal unfolded:
• Mizuhara informed ESPN in a Tuesday interview, organized by Ohtani’s consultant, he requested Ohtani final yr to repay his playing debt, ESPN reported. Ohtani had no involvement in his betting, Mizuhara stated.
• However after the interview, Ohtani’s spokesperson “disavowed” Mizuhara’s account, then launched an announcement saying Ohtani had been the sufferer of theft.
• On the identical day, Mizuhara was seen smiling within the LA dugout and speaking to Ohtani earlier than translating for the star within the crew’s 5-2 win over the San Diego Padres within the MLB season-opening recreation in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday.
• Later Wednesday, Mizuhara was fired as Ohtani’s interpreter.
• After studying concerning the allegations towards Ohtani and Mizuhara, MLB on Friday introduced it will be pursuing an investigation. The IRS additionally confirmed it was investigating the translator.
CNN’s Eric Levenson and Norma Galeana contributed to this report.
CNN
—
Los Angeles Dodgers famous person Shohei Ohtani issued a forceful and detailed assertion to reporters Monday denying he’d ever participated in any sports activities playing amid the mounting scandal involving allegations his former interpreter stole cash from him and positioned sports activities bets.
Ohtani stated his translator had been “stealing cash” from his accounts to repay money owed from a “playing dependancy” and he had no data of the scheme.
“I’m very saddened and shocked that somebody who I’ve trusted has executed this,” Ohtani stated.
The remarks from Ohtani, who sometimes shies from media interviews, have been his first public feedback because the scandal broke.
The allegations got here to mild final week when Ohtani’s Japanese interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired after Ohtani’s legal professionals accused him of “huge theft” of tens of millions of {dollars} and inserting bets with a bookmaker underneath federal investigation, based on ESPN and the Los Angeles Instances, which first reported the story.
Ohtani signed an unparalleled 10-year, $700 million take care of the Dodgers this offseason after profitable the American League MVP award twice over the previous three seasons as a pitcher and designated hitter with the Los Angeles Angels.
The scandal has threatened to overshadow the beginning of MLB’s Opening Day on Thursday, challenged the general public’s understanding of one in every of baseball’s largest stars, and introduced renewed scrutiny to skilled sports activities’ closeness with playing.
The league prohibits gamers, coaches, umpires and staff from playing on baseball or inserting wagers on any sport with an individual working an unlawful playing operation. Copies of Rule 21 are required to be posted in each clubhouse.
Main League Baseball and the Inside Income Service are individually investigating Mizuhara.
“Main League Baseball has been gathering info since we realized concerning the allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara from the information media,” officers stated in a information launch final week. “Earlier at this time, our Division of Investigations started their formal course of investigating the matter.”
The IRS Prison Investigation Los Angeles Area Workplace is investigating each Mizuhara and Mathew Bowyer, IRS spokesman Scott Villiard informed CNN on Friday.
Bowyer, a former bookmaker, is a California resident who chapter court docket paperwork present had playing money owed of $425,000 greater than a decade in the past.
Ohtani and Mizuhara first labored collectively from 2013 to 2017 when Mizuhara served as a translator for the Nippon-Ham Fighters, Ohtani’s crew with Japan’s Nippon Skilled Baseball League, based on MLB.com. When Ohtani joined the Angels in 2018, he requested Mizuhara to affix him as his translator in his MLB rookie season, and Mizuhara ultimately adopted the star to the Dodgers.
ESPN’s Tisha Thompson, citing a number of unnamed sources, stated on CNN’s “The Lead” final week not less than $4.5 million was withdrawn by way of wire switch from Ohtani’s financial institution accounts, although it’s unclear who initiated the transfers.
CNN has sought remark from Mizuhara and Ohtani’s agent. Ohtani’s attorneys haven’t detailed how they consider the funds have been stolen, fueling questions concerning the scandal that emerged as Ohtani made his much-anticipated debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers whereas in South Korea.
MLB launches investigation into Ohtani allegations
An legal professional for Bowyer, the previous bookmaker underneath federal investigation associated to playing, stated he by no means met or had “any direct contact” with Ohtani however did do enterprise with Mizuhara.
“Mathew Bowyer by no means spoke with or emailed with or texted with or had any contact in any respect with Shohei Ohtani,” the legal professional, Diane Bass informed CNN in an on-camera interview on Saturday.
The legal professional additionally stated Ohtani’s interpreter by no means wager on baseball.
When discussing Ohtani’s identify on “one of many wire transfers to Bowyer’s group to cowl a wager,” Bass stated Saturday, “so far as Mr. Bowyer understood, the wager was from Ippei, or it was being coated by Mr. Ohtani for Ippei.”
Bass emphasised whereas Bowyer is underneath federal investigation, he has not been charged with a criminal offense. She stated Bowyer stopped his bookmaking operation in October 2023 when “feds confirmed up at his home.”
Bowyer met Mizuhara after a Padres recreation in San Diego in 2022, based on Bass. She informed CNN she doesn’t understand how usually Mizuhara positioned bets or how a lot he wager, however stated Bowyer informed her Mizuhara positioned bets commonly on “primarily soccer, often soccer and basketball, however it was by no means baseball.”
Mizuhara informed ESPN final Tuesday, “I by no means wager on baseball … That’s 100%. I knew that rule. … Now we have a gathering about that in spring coaching.”
Bass stated Mizuhara’s playing “received out of hand at a sure level,” however “he was making common funds for a major period of time.”
Requested whether or not the funds have been coming from Mizuhara’s or Ohtani’s account, Bass replied, “I truthfully don’t know what number of transfers got here from which account(s), (or) whether or not it was multiple account. I don’t have entry to that info,” she informed CNN.
Shifting explanations and statements
The saga started with reporters asking questions on alleged wire transfers from Ohtani’s checking account. Right here’s how the scandal unfolded:
• Mizuhara informed ESPN in a Tuesday interview, organized by Ohtani’s consultant, he requested Ohtani final yr to repay his playing debt, ESPN reported. Ohtani had no involvement in his betting, Mizuhara stated.
• However after the interview, Ohtani’s spokesperson “disavowed” Mizuhara’s account, then launched an announcement saying Ohtani had been the sufferer of theft.
• On the identical day, Mizuhara was seen smiling within the LA dugout and speaking to Ohtani earlier than translating for the star within the crew’s 5-2 win over the San Diego Padres within the MLB season-opening recreation in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday.
• Later Wednesday, Mizuhara was fired as Ohtani’s interpreter.
• After studying concerning the allegations towards Ohtani and Mizuhara, MLB on Friday introduced it will be pursuing an investigation. The IRS additionally confirmed it was investigating the translator.
CNN’s Eric Levenson and Norma Galeana contributed to this report.
CNN
—
Los Angeles Dodgers famous person Shohei Ohtani issued a forceful and detailed assertion to reporters Monday denying he’d ever participated in any sports activities playing amid the mounting scandal involving allegations his former interpreter stole cash from him and positioned sports activities bets.
Ohtani stated his translator had been “stealing cash” from his accounts to repay money owed from a “playing dependancy” and he had no data of the scheme.
“I’m very saddened and shocked that somebody who I’ve trusted has executed this,” Ohtani stated.
The remarks from Ohtani, who sometimes shies from media interviews, have been his first public feedback because the scandal broke.
The allegations got here to mild final week when Ohtani’s Japanese interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired after Ohtani’s legal professionals accused him of “huge theft” of tens of millions of {dollars} and inserting bets with a bookmaker underneath federal investigation, based on ESPN and the Los Angeles Instances, which first reported the story.
Ohtani signed an unparalleled 10-year, $700 million take care of the Dodgers this offseason after profitable the American League MVP award twice over the previous three seasons as a pitcher and designated hitter with the Los Angeles Angels.
The scandal has threatened to overshadow the beginning of MLB’s Opening Day on Thursday, challenged the general public’s understanding of one in every of baseball’s largest stars, and introduced renewed scrutiny to skilled sports activities’ closeness with playing.
The league prohibits gamers, coaches, umpires and staff from playing on baseball or inserting wagers on any sport with an individual working an unlawful playing operation. Copies of Rule 21 are required to be posted in each clubhouse.
Main League Baseball and the Inside Income Service are individually investigating Mizuhara.
“Main League Baseball has been gathering info since we realized concerning the allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara from the information media,” officers stated in a information launch final week. “Earlier at this time, our Division of Investigations started their formal course of investigating the matter.”
The IRS Prison Investigation Los Angeles Area Workplace is investigating each Mizuhara and Mathew Bowyer, IRS spokesman Scott Villiard informed CNN on Friday.
Bowyer, a former bookmaker, is a California resident who chapter court docket paperwork present had playing money owed of $425,000 greater than a decade in the past.
Ohtani and Mizuhara first labored collectively from 2013 to 2017 when Mizuhara served as a translator for the Nippon-Ham Fighters, Ohtani’s crew with Japan’s Nippon Skilled Baseball League, based on MLB.com. When Ohtani joined the Angels in 2018, he requested Mizuhara to affix him as his translator in his MLB rookie season, and Mizuhara ultimately adopted the star to the Dodgers.
ESPN’s Tisha Thompson, citing a number of unnamed sources, stated on CNN’s “The Lead” final week not less than $4.5 million was withdrawn by way of wire switch from Ohtani’s financial institution accounts, although it’s unclear who initiated the transfers.
CNN has sought remark from Mizuhara and Ohtani’s agent. Ohtani’s attorneys haven’t detailed how they consider the funds have been stolen, fueling questions concerning the scandal that emerged as Ohtani made his much-anticipated debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers whereas in South Korea.
MLB launches investigation into Ohtani allegations
An legal professional for Bowyer, the previous bookmaker underneath federal investigation associated to playing, stated he by no means met or had “any direct contact” with Ohtani however did do enterprise with Mizuhara.
“Mathew Bowyer by no means spoke with or emailed with or texted with or had any contact in any respect with Shohei Ohtani,” the legal professional, Diane Bass informed CNN in an on-camera interview on Saturday.
The legal professional additionally stated Ohtani’s interpreter by no means wager on baseball.
When discussing Ohtani’s identify on “one of many wire transfers to Bowyer’s group to cowl a wager,” Bass stated Saturday, “so far as Mr. Bowyer understood, the wager was from Ippei, or it was being coated by Mr. Ohtani for Ippei.”
Bass emphasised whereas Bowyer is underneath federal investigation, he has not been charged with a criminal offense. She stated Bowyer stopped his bookmaking operation in October 2023 when “feds confirmed up at his home.”
Bowyer met Mizuhara after a Padres recreation in San Diego in 2022, based on Bass. She informed CNN she doesn’t understand how usually Mizuhara positioned bets or how a lot he wager, however stated Bowyer informed her Mizuhara positioned bets commonly on “primarily soccer, often soccer and basketball, however it was by no means baseball.”
Mizuhara informed ESPN final Tuesday, “I by no means wager on baseball … That’s 100%. I knew that rule. … Now we have a gathering about that in spring coaching.”
Bass stated Mizuhara’s playing “received out of hand at a sure level,” however “he was making common funds for a major period of time.”
Requested whether or not the funds have been coming from Mizuhara’s or Ohtani’s account, Bass replied, “I truthfully don’t know what number of transfers got here from which account(s), (or) whether or not it was multiple account. I don’t have entry to that info,” she informed CNN.
Shifting explanations and statements
The saga started with reporters asking questions on alleged wire transfers from Ohtani’s checking account. Right here’s how the scandal unfolded:
• Mizuhara informed ESPN in a Tuesday interview, organized by Ohtani’s consultant, he requested Ohtani final yr to repay his playing debt, ESPN reported. Ohtani had no involvement in his betting, Mizuhara stated.
• However after the interview, Ohtani’s spokesperson “disavowed” Mizuhara’s account, then launched an announcement saying Ohtani had been the sufferer of theft.
• On the identical day, Mizuhara was seen smiling within the LA dugout and speaking to Ohtani earlier than translating for the star within the crew’s 5-2 win over the San Diego Padres within the MLB season-opening recreation in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday.
• Later Wednesday, Mizuhara was fired as Ohtani’s interpreter.
• After studying concerning the allegations towards Ohtani and Mizuhara, MLB on Friday introduced it will be pursuing an investigation. The IRS additionally confirmed it was investigating the translator.
CNN’s Eric Levenson and Norma Galeana contributed to this report.
CNN
—
Los Angeles Dodgers famous person Shohei Ohtani issued a forceful and detailed assertion to reporters Monday denying he’d ever participated in any sports activities playing amid the mounting scandal involving allegations his former interpreter stole cash from him and positioned sports activities bets.
Ohtani stated his translator had been “stealing cash” from his accounts to repay money owed from a “playing dependancy” and he had no data of the scheme.
“I’m very saddened and shocked that somebody who I’ve trusted has executed this,” Ohtani stated.
The remarks from Ohtani, who sometimes shies from media interviews, have been his first public feedback because the scandal broke.
The allegations got here to mild final week when Ohtani’s Japanese interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired after Ohtani’s legal professionals accused him of “huge theft” of tens of millions of {dollars} and inserting bets with a bookmaker underneath federal investigation, based on ESPN and the Los Angeles Instances, which first reported the story.
Ohtani signed an unparalleled 10-year, $700 million take care of the Dodgers this offseason after profitable the American League MVP award twice over the previous three seasons as a pitcher and designated hitter with the Los Angeles Angels.
The scandal has threatened to overshadow the beginning of MLB’s Opening Day on Thursday, challenged the general public’s understanding of one in every of baseball’s largest stars, and introduced renewed scrutiny to skilled sports activities’ closeness with playing.
The league prohibits gamers, coaches, umpires and staff from playing on baseball or inserting wagers on any sport with an individual working an unlawful playing operation. Copies of Rule 21 are required to be posted in each clubhouse.
Main League Baseball and the Inside Income Service are individually investigating Mizuhara.
“Main League Baseball has been gathering info since we realized concerning the allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara from the information media,” officers stated in a information launch final week. “Earlier at this time, our Division of Investigations started their formal course of investigating the matter.”
The IRS Prison Investigation Los Angeles Area Workplace is investigating each Mizuhara and Mathew Bowyer, IRS spokesman Scott Villiard informed CNN on Friday.
Bowyer, a former bookmaker, is a California resident who chapter court docket paperwork present had playing money owed of $425,000 greater than a decade in the past.
Ohtani and Mizuhara first labored collectively from 2013 to 2017 when Mizuhara served as a translator for the Nippon-Ham Fighters, Ohtani’s crew with Japan’s Nippon Skilled Baseball League, based on MLB.com. When Ohtani joined the Angels in 2018, he requested Mizuhara to affix him as his translator in his MLB rookie season, and Mizuhara ultimately adopted the star to the Dodgers.
ESPN’s Tisha Thompson, citing a number of unnamed sources, stated on CNN’s “The Lead” final week not less than $4.5 million was withdrawn by way of wire switch from Ohtani’s financial institution accounts, although it’s unclear who initiated the transfers.
CNN has sought remark from Mizuhara and Ohtani’s agent. Ohtani’s attorneys haven’t detailed how they consider the funds have been stolen, fueling questions concerning the scandal that emerged as Ohtani made his much-anticipated debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers whereas in South Korea.
MLB launches investigation into Ohtani allegations
An legal professional for Bowyer, the previous bookmaker underneath federal investigation associated to playing, stated he by no means met or had “any direct contact” with Ohtani however did do enterprise with Mizuhara.
“Mathew Bowyer by no means spoke with or emailed with or texted with or had any contact in any respect with Shohei Ohtani,” the legal professional, Diane Bass informed CNN in an on-camera interview on Saturday.
The legal professional additionally stated Ohtani’s interpreter by no means wager on baseball.
When discussing Ohtani’s identify on “one of many wire transfers to Bowyer’s group to cowl a wager,” Bass stated Saturday, “so far as Mr. Bowyer understood, the wager was from Ippei, or it was being coated by Mr. Ohtani for Ippei.”
Bass emphasised whereas Bowyer is underneath federal investigation, he has not been charged with a criminal offense. She stated Bowyer stopped his bookmaking operation in October 2023 when “feds confirmed up at his home.”
Bowyer met Mizuhara after a Padres recreation in San Diego in 2022, based on Bass. She informed CNN she doesn’t understand how usually Mizuhara positioned bets or how a lot he wager, however stated Bowyer informed her Mizuhara positioned bets commonly on “primarily soccer, often soccer and basketball, however it was by no means baseball.”
Mizuhara informed ESPN final Tuesday, “I by no means wager on baseball … That’s 100%. I knew that rule. … Now we have a gathering about that in spring coaching.”
Bass stated Mizuhara’s playing “received out of hand at a sure level,” however “he was making common funds for a major period of time.”
Requested whether or not the funds have been coming from Mizuhara’s or Ohtani’s account, Bass replied, “I truthfully don’t know what number of transfers got here from which account(s), (or) whether or not it was multiple account. I don’t have entry to that info,” she informed CNN.
Shifting explanations and statements
The saga started with reporters asking questions on alleged wire transfers from Ohtani’s checking account. Right here’s how the scandal unfolded:
• Mizuhara informed ESPN in a Tuesday interview, organized by Ohtani’s consultant, he requested Ohtani final yr to repay his playing debt, ESPN reported. Ohtani had no involvement in his betting, Mizuhara stated.
• However after the interview, Ohtani’s spokesperson “disavowed” Mizuhara’s account, then launched an announcement saying Ohtani had been the sufferer of theft.
• On the identical day, Mizuhara was seen smiling within the LA dugout and speaking to Ohtani earlier than translating for the star within the crew’s 5-2 win over the San Diego Padres within the MLB season-opening recreation in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday.
• Later Wednesday, Mizuhara was fired as Ohtani’s interpreter.
• After studying concerning the allegations towards Ohtani and Mizuhara, MLB on Friday introduced it will be pursuing an investigation. The IRS additionally confirmed it was investigating the translator.
CNN’s Eric Levenson and Norma Galeana contributed to this report.
CNN
—
Los Angeles Dodgers famous person Shohei Ohtani issued a forceful and detailed assertion to reporters Monday denying he’d ever participated in any sports activities playing amid the mounting scandal involving allegations his former interpreter stole cash from him and positioned sports activities bets.
Ohtani stated his translator had been “stealing cash” from his accounts to repay money owed from a “playing dependancy” and he had no data of the scheme.
“I’m very saddened and shocked that somebody who I’ve trusted has executed this,” Ohtani stated.
The remarks from Ohtani, who sometimes shies from media interviews, have been his first public feedback because the scandal broke.
The allegations got here to mild final week when Ohtani’s Japanese interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired after Ohtani’s legal professionals accused him of “huge theft” of tens of millions of {dollars} and inserting bets with a bookmaker underneath federal investigation, based on ESPN and the Los Angeles Instances, which first reported the story.
Ohtani signed an unparalleled 10-year, $700 million take care of the Dodgers this offseason after profitable the American League MVP award twice over the previous three seasons as a pitcher and designated hitter with the Los Angeles Angels.
The scandal has threatened to overshadow the beginning of MLB’s Opening Day on Thursday, challenged the general public’s understanding of one in every of baseball’s largest stars, and introduced renewed scrutiny to skilled sports activities’ closeness with playing.
The league prohibits gamers, coaches, umpires and staff from playing on baseball or inserting wagers on any sport with an individual working an unlawful playing operation. Copies of Rule 21 are required to be posted in each clubhouse.
Main League Baseball and the Inside Income Service are individually investigating Mizuhara.
“Main League Baseball has been gathering info since we realized concerning the allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara from the information media,” officers stated in a information launch final week. “Earlier at this time, our Division of Investigations started their formal course of investigating the matter.”
The IRS Prison Investigation Los Angeles Area Workplace is investigating each Mizuhara and Mathew Bowyer, IRS spokesman Scott Villiard informed CNN on Friday.
Bowyer, a former bookmaker, is a California resident who chapter court docket paperwork present had playing money owed of $425,000 greater than a decade in the past.
Ohtani and Mizuhara first labored collectively from 2013 to 2017 when Mizuhara served as a translator for the Nippon-Ham Fighters, Ohtani’s crew with Japan’s Nippon Skilled Baseball League, based on MLB.com. When Ohtani joined the Angels in 2018, he requested Mizuhara to affix him as his translator in his MLB rookie season, and Mizuhara ultimately adopted the star to the Dodgers.
ESPN’s Tisha Thompson, citing a number of unnamed sources, stated on CNN’s “The Lead” final week not less than $4.5 million was withdrawn by way of wire switch from Ohtani’s financial institution accounts, although it’s unclear who initiated the transfers.
CNN has sought remark from Mizuhara and Ohtani’s agent. Ohtani’s attorneys haven’t detailed how they consider the funds have been stolen, fueling questions concerning the scandal that emerged as Ohtani made his much-anticipated debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers whereas in South Korea.
MLB launches investigation into Ohtani allegations
An legal professional for Bowyer, the previous bookmaker underneath federal investigation associated to playing, stated he by no means met or had “any direct contact” with Ohtani however did do enterprise with Mizuhara.
“Mathew Bowyer by no means spoke with or emailed with or texted with or had any contact in any respect with Shohei Ohtani,” the legal professional, Diane Bass informed CNN in an on-camera interview on Saturday.
The legal professional additionally stated Ohtani’s interpreter by no means wager on baseball.
When discussing Ohtani’s identify on “one of many wire transfers to Bowyer’s group to cowl a wager,” Bass stated Saturday, “so far as Mr. Bowyer understood, the wager was from Ippei, or it was being coated by Mr. Ohtani for Ippei.”
Bass emphasised whereas Bowyer is underneath federal investigation, he has not been charged with a criminal offense. She stated Bowyer stopped his bookmaking operation in October 2023 when “feds confirmed up at his home.”
Bowyer met Mizuhara after a Padres recreation in San Diego in 2022, based on Bass. She informed CNN she doesn’t understand how usually Mizuhara positioned bets or how a lot he wager, however stated Bowyer informed her Mizuhara positioned bets commonly on “primarily soccer, often soccer and basketball, however it was by no means baseball.”
Mizuhara informed ESPN final Tuesday, “I by no means wager on baseball … That’s 100%. I knew that rule. … Now we have a gathering about that in spring coaching.”
Bass stated Mizuhara’s playing “received out of hand at a sure level,” however “he was making common funds for a major period of time.”
Requested whether or not the funds have been coming from Mizuhara’s or Ohtani’s account, Bass replied, “I truthfully don’t know what number of transfers got here from which account(s), (or) whether or not it was multiple account. I don’t have entry to that info,” she informed CNN.
Shifting explanations and statements
The saga started with reporters asking questions on alleged wire transfers from Ohtani’s checking account. Right here’s how the scandal unfolded:
• Mizuhara informed ESPN in a Tuesday interview, organized by Ohtani’s consultant, he requested Ohtani final yr to repay his playing debt, ESPN reported. Ohtani had no involvement in his betting, Mizuhara stated.
• However after the interview, Ohtani’s spokesperson “disavowed” Mizuhara’s account, then launched an announcement saying Ohtani had been the sufferer of theft.
• On the identical day, Mizuhara was seen smiling within the LA dugout and speaking to Ohtani earlier than translating for the star within the crew’s 5-2 win over the San Diego Padres within the MLB season-opening recreation in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday.
• Later Wednesday, Mizuhara was fired as Ohtani’s interpreter.
• After studying concerning the allegations towards Ohtani and Mizuhara, MLB on Friday introduced it will be pursuing an investigation. The IRS additionally confirmed it was investigating the translator.
CNN’s Eric Levenson and Norma Galeana contributed to this report.
CNN
—
Los Angeles Dodgers famous person Shohei Ohtani issued a forceful and detailed assertion to reporters Monday denying he’d ever participated in any sports activities playing amid the mounting scandal involving allegations his former interpreter stole cash from him and positioned sports activities bets.
Ohtani stated his translator had been “stealing cash” from his accounts to repay money owed from a “playing dependancy” and he had no data of the scheme.
“I’m very saddened and shocked that somebody who I’ve trusted has executed this,” Ohtani stated.
The remarks from Ohtani, who sometimes shies from media interviews, have been his first public feedback because the scandal broke.
The allegations got here to mild final week when Ohtani’s Japanese interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired after Ohtani’s legal professionals accused him of “huge theft” of tens of millions of {dollars} and inserting bets with a bookmaker underneath federal investigation, based on ESPN and the Los Angeles Instances, which first reported the story.
Ohtani signed an unparalleled 10-year, $700 million take care of the Dodgers this offseason after profitable the American League MVP award twice over the previous three seasons as a pitcher and designated hitter with the Los Angeles Angels.
The scandal has threatened to overshadow the beginning of MLB’s Opening Day on Thursday, challenged the general public’s understanding of one in every of baseball’s largest stars, and introduced renewed scrutiny to skilled sports activities’ closeness with playing.
The league prohibits gamers, coaches, umpires and staff from playing on baseball or inserting wagers on any sport with an individual working an unlawful playing operation. Copies of Rule 21 are required to be posted in each clubhouse.
Main League Baseball and the Inside Income Service are individually investigating Mizuhara.
“Main League Baseball has been gathering info since we realized concerning the allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara from the information media,” officers stated in a information launch final week. “Earlier at this time, our Division of Investigations started their formal course of investigating the matter.”
The IRS Prison Investigation Los Angeles Area Workplace is investigating each Mizuhara and Mathew Bowyer, IRS spokesman Scott Villiard informed CNN on Friday.
Bowyer, a former bookmaker, is a California resident who chapter court docket paperwork present had playing money owed of $425,000 greater than a decade in the past.
Ohtani and Mizuhara first labored collectively from 2013 to 2017 when Mizuhara served as a translator for the Nippon-Ham Fighters, Ohtani’s crew with Japan’s Nippon Skilled Baseball League, based on MLB.com. When Ohtani joined the Angels in 2018, he requested Mizuhara to affix him as his translator in his MLB rookie season, and Mizuhara ultimately adopted the star to the Dodgers.
ESPN’s Tisha Thompson, citing a number of unnamed sources, stated on CNN’s “The Lead” final week not less than $4.5 million was withdrawn by way of wire switch from Ohtani’s financial institution accounts, although it’s unclear who initiated the transfers.
CNN has sought remark from Mizuhara and Ohtani’s agent. Ohtani’s attorneys haven’t detailed how they consider the funds have been stolen, fueling questions concerning the scandal that emerged as Ohtani made his much-anticipated debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers whereas in South Korea.
MLB launches investigation into Ohtani allegations
An legal professional for Bowyer, the previous bookmaker underneath federal investigation associated to playing, stated he by no means met or had “any direct contact” with Ohtani however did do enterprise with Mizuhara.
“Mathew Bowyer by no means spoke with or emailed with or texted with or had any contact in any respect with Shohei Ohtani,” the legal professional, Diane Bass informed CNN in an on-camera interview on Saturday.
The legal professional additionally stated Ohtani’s interpreter by no means wager on baseball.
When discussing Ohtani’s identify on “one of many wire transfers to Bowyer’s group to cowl a wager,” Bass stated Saturday, “so far as Mr. Bowyer understood, the wager was from Ippei, or it was being coated by Mr. Ohtani for Ippei.”
Bass emphasised whereas Bowyer is underneath federal investigation, he has not been charged with a criminal offense. She stated Bowyer stopped his bookmaking operation in October 2023 when “feds confirmed up at his home.”
Bowyer met Mizuhara after a Padres recreation in San Diego in 2022, based on Bass. She informed CNN she doesn’t understand how usually Mizuhara positioned bets or how a lot he wager, however stated Bowyer informed her Mizuhara positioned bets commonly on “primarily soccer, often soccer and basketball, however it was by no means baseball.”
Mizuhara informed ESPN final Tuesday, “I by no means wager on baseball … That’s 100%. I knew that rule. … Now we have a gathering about that in spring coaching.”
Bass stated Mizuhara’s playing “received out of hand at a sure level,” however “he was making common funds for a major period of time.”
Requested whether or not the funds have been coming from Mizuhara’s or Ohtani’s account, Bass replied, “I truthfully don’t know what number of transfers got here from which account(s), (or) whether or not it was multiple account. I don’t have entry to that info,” she informed CNN.
Shifting explanations and statements
The saga started with reporters asking questions on alleged wire transfers from Ohtani’s checking account. Right here’s how the scandal unfolded:
• Mizuhara informed ESPN in a Tuesday interview, organized by Ohtani’s consultant, he requested Ohtani final yr to repay his playing debt, ESPN reported. Ohtani had no involvement in his betting, Mizuhara stated.
• However after the interview, Ohtani’s spokesperson “disavowed” Mizuhara’s account, then launched an announcement saying Ohtani had been the sufferer of theft.
• On the identical day, Mizuhara was seen smiling within the LA dugout and speaking to Ohtani earlier than translating for the star within the crew’s 5-2 win over the San Diego Padres within the MLB season-opening recreation in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday.
• Later Wednesday, Mizuhara was fired as Ohtani’s interpreter.
• After studying concerning the allegations towards Ohtani and Mizuhara, MLB on Friday introduced it will be pursuing an investigation. The IRS additionally confirmed it was investigating the translator.
CNN’s Eric Levenson and Norma Galeana contributed to this report.
CNN
—
Los Angeles Dodgers famous person Shohei Ohtani issued a forceful and detailed assertion to reporters Monday denying he’d ever participated in any sports activities playing amid the mounting scandal involving allegations his former interpreter stole cash from him and positioned sports activities bets.
Ohtani stated his translator had been “stealing cash” from his accounts to repay money owed from a “playing dependancy” and he had no data of the scheme.
“I’m very saddened and shocked that somebody who I’ve trusted has executed this,” Ohtani stated.
The remarks from Ohtani, who sometimes shies from media interviews, have been his first public feedback because the scandal broke.
The allegations got here to mild final week when Ohtani’s Japanese interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired after Ohtani’s legal professionals accused him of “huge theft” of tens of millions of {dollars} and inserting bets with a bookmaker underneath federal investigation, based on ESPN and the Los Angeles Instances, which first reported the story.
Ohtani signed an unparalleled 10-year, $700 million take care of the Dodgers this offseason after profitable the American League MVP award twice over the previous three seasons as a pitcher and designated hitter with the Los Angeles Angels.
The scandal has threatened to overshadow the beginning of MLB’s Opening Day on Thursday, challenged the general public’s understanding of one in every of baseball’s largest stars, and introduced renewed scrutiny to skilled sports activities’ closeness with playing.
The league prohibits gamers, coaches, umpires and staff from playing on baseball or inserting wagers on any sport with an individual working an unlawful playing operation. Copies of Rule 21 are required to be posted in each clubhouse.
Main League Baseball and the Inside Income Service are individually investigating Mizuhara.
“Main League Baseball has been gathering info since we realized concerning the allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara from the information media,” officers stated in a information launch final week. “Earlier at this time, our Division of Investigations started their formal course of investigating the matter.”
The IRS Prison Investigation Los Angeles Area Workplace is investigating each Mizuhara and Mathew Bowyer, IRS spokesman Scott Villiard informed CNN on Friday.
Bowyer, a former bookmaker, is a California resident who chapter court docket paperwork present had playing money owed of $425,000 greater than a decade in the past.
Ohtani and Mizuhara first labored collectively from 2013 to 2017 when Mizuhara served as a translator for the Nippon-Ham Fighters, Ohtani’s crew with Japan’s Nippon Skilled Baseball League, based on MLB.com. When Ohtani joined the Angels in 2018, he requested Mizuhara to affix him as his translator in his MLB rookie season, and Mizuhara ultimately adopted the star to the Dodgers.
ESPN’s Tisha Thompson, citing a number of unnamed sources, stated on CNN’s “The Lead” final week not less than $4.5 million was withdrawn by way of wire switch from Ohtani’s financial institution accounts, although it’s unclear who initiated the transfers.
CNN has sought remark from Mizuhara and Ohtani’s agent. Ohtani’s attorneys haven’t detailed how they consider the funds have been stolen, fueling questions concerning the scandal that emerged as Ohtani made his much-anticipated debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers whereas in South Korea.
MLB launches investigation into Ohtani allegations
An legal professional for Bowyer, the previous bookmaker underneath federal investigation associated to playing, stated he by no means met or had “any direct contact” with Ohtani however did do enterprise with Mizuhara.
“Mathew Bowyer by no means spoke with or emailed with or texted with or had any contact in any respect with Shohei Ohtani,” the legal professional, Diane Bass informed CNN in an on-camera interview on Saturday.
The legal professional additionally stated Ohtani’s interpreter by no means wager on baseball.
When discussing Ohtani’s identify on “one of many wire transfers to Bowyer’s group to cowl a wager,” Bass stated Saturday, “so far as Mr. Bowyer understood, the wager was from Ippei, or it was being coated by Mr. Ohtani for Ippei.”
Bass emphasised whereas Bowyer is underneath federal investigation, he has not been charged with a criminal offense. She stated Bowyer stopped his bookmaking operation in October 2023 when “feds confirmed up at his home.”
Bowyer met Mizuhara after a Padres recreation in San Diego in 2022, based on Bass. She informed CNN she doesn’t understand how usually Mizuhara positioned bets or how a lot he wager, however stated Bowyer informed her Mizuhara positioned bets commonly on “primarily soccer, often soccer and basketball, however it was by no means baseball.”
Mizuhara informed ESPN final Tuesday, “I by no means wager on baseball … That’s 100%. I knew that rule. … Now we have a gathering about that in spring coaching.”
Bass stated Mizuhara’s playing “received out of hand at a sure level,” however “he was making common funds for a major period of time.”
Requested whether or not the funds have been coming from Mizuhara’s or Ohtani’s account, Bass replied, “I truthfully don’t know what number of transfers got here from which account(s), (or) whether or not it was multiple account. I don’t have entry to that info,” she informed CNN.
Shifting explanations and statements
The saga started with reporters asking questions on alleged wire transfers from Ohtani’s checking account. Right here’s how the scandal unfolded:
• Mizuhara informed ESPN in a Tuesday interview, organized by Ohtani’s consultant, he requested Ohtani final yr to repay his playing debt, ESPN reported. Ohtani had no involvement in his betting, Mizuhara stated.
• However after the interview, Ohtani’s spokesperson “disavowed” Mizuhara’s account, then launched an announcement saying Ohtani had been the sufferer of theft.
• On the identical day, Mizuhara was seen smiling within the LA dugout and speaking to Ohtani earlier than translating for the star within the crew’s 5-2 win over the San Diego Padres within the MLB season-opening recreation in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday.
• Later Wednesday, Mizuhara was fired as Ohtani’s interpreter.
• After studying concerning the allegations towards Ohtani and Mizuhara, MLB on Friday introduced it will be pursuing an investigation. The IRS additionally confirmed it was investigating the translator.
CNN’s Eric Levenson and Norma Galeana contributed to this report.
CNN
—
Los Angeles Dodgers famous person Shohei Ohtani issued a forceful and detailed assertion to reporters Monday denying he’d ever participated in any sports activities playing amid the mounting scandal involving allegations his former interpreter stole cash from him and positioned sports activities bets.
Ohtani stated his translator had been “stealing cash” from his accounts to repay money owed from a “playing dependancy” and he had no data of the scheme.
“I’m very saddened and shocked that somebody who I’ve trusted has executed this,” Ohtani stated.
The remarks from Ohtani, who sometimes shies from media interviews, have been his first public feedback because the scandal broke.
The allegations got here to mild final week when Ohtani’s Japanese interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired after Ohtani’s legal professionals accused him of “huge theft” of tens of millions of {dollars} and inserting bets with a bookmaker underneath federal investigation, based on ESPN and the Los Angeles Instances, which first reported the story.
Ohtani signed an unparalleled 10-year, $700 million take care of the Dodgers this offseason after profitable the American League MVP award twice over the previous three seasons as a pitcher and designated hitter with the Los Angeles Angels.
The scandal has threatened to overshadow the beginning of MLB’s Opening Day on Thursday, challenged the general public’s understanding of one in every of baseball’s largest stars, and introduced renewed scrutiny to skilled sports activities’ closeness with playing.
The league prohibits gamers, coaches, umpires and staff from playing on baseball or inserting wagers on any sport with an individual working an unlawful playing operation. Copies of Rule 21 are required to be posted in each clubhouse.
Main League Baseball and the Inside Income Service are individually investigating Mizuhara.
“Main League Baseball has been gathering info since we realized concerning the allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara from the information media,” officers stated in a information launch final week. “Earlier at this time, our Division of Investigations started their formal course of investigating the matter.”
The IRS Prison Investigation Los Angeles Area Workplace is investigating each Mizuhara and Mathew Bowyer, IRS spokesman Scott Villiard informed CNN on Friday.
Bowyer, a former bookmaker, is a California resident who chapter court docket paperwork present had playing money owed of $425,000 greater than a decade in the past.
Ohtani and Mizuhara first labored collectively from 2013 to 2017 when Mizuhara served as a translator for the Nippon-Ham Fighters, Ohtani’s crew with Japan’s Nippon Skilled Baseball League, based on MLB.com. When Ohtani joined the Angels in 2018, he requested Mizuhara to affix him as his translator in his MLB rookie season, and Mizuhara ultimately adopted the star to the Dodgers.
ESPN’s Tisha Thompson, citing a number of unnamed sources, stated on CNN’s “The Lead” final week not less than $4.5 million was withdrawn by way of wire switch from Ohtani’s financial institution accounts, although it’s unclear who initiated the transfers.
CNN has sought remark from Mizuhara and Ohtani’s agent. Ohtani’s attorneys haven’t detailed how they consider the funds have been stolen, fueling questions concerning the scandal that emerged as Ohtani made his much-anticipated debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers whereas in South Korea.
MLB launches investigation into Ohtani allegations
An legal professional for Bowyer, the previous bookmaker underneath federal investigation associated to playing, stated he by no means met or had “any direct contact” with Ohtani however did do enterprise with Mizuhara.
“Mathew Bowyer by no means spoke with or emailed with or texted with or had any contact in any respect with Shohei Ohtani,” the legal professional, Diane Bass informed CNN in an on-camera interview on Saturday.
The legal professional additionally stated Ohtani’s interpreter by no means wager on baseball.
When discussing Ohtani’s identify on “one of many wire transfers to Bowyer’s group to cowl a wager,” Bass stated Saturday, “so far as Mr. Bowyer understood, the wager was from Ippei, or it was being coated by Mr. Ohtani for Ippei.”
Bass emphasised whereas Bowyer is underneath federal investigation, he has not been charged with a criminal offense. She stated Bowyer stopped his bookmaking operation in October 2023 when “feds confirmed up at his home.”
Bowyer met Mizuhara after a Padres recreation in San Diego in 2022, based on Bass. She informed CNN she doesn’t understand how usually Mizuhara positioned bets or how a lot he wager, however stated Bowyer informed her Mizuhara positioned bets commonly on “primarily soccer, often soccer and basketball, however it was by no means baseball.”
Mizuhara informed ESPN final Tuesday, “I by no means wager on baseball … That’s 100%. I knew that rule. … Now we have a gathering about that in spring coaching.”
Bass stated Mizuhara’s playing “received out of hand at a sure level,” however “he was making common funds for a major period of time.”
Requested whether or not the funds have been coming from Mizuhara’s or Ohtani’s account, Bass replied, “I truthfully don’t know what number of transfers got here from which account(s), (or) whether or not it was multiple account. I don’t have entry to that info,” she informed CNN.
Shifting explanations and statements
The saga started with reporters asking questions on alleged wire transfers from Ohtani’s checking account. Right here’s how the scandal unfolded:
• Mizuhara informed ESPN in a Tuesday interview, organized by Ohtani’s consultant, he requested Ohtani final yr to repay his playing debt, ESPN reported. Ohtani had no involvement in his betting, Mizuhara stated.
• However after the interview, Ohtani’s spokesperson “disavowed” Mizuhara’s account, then launched an announcement saying Ohtani had been the sufferer of theft.
• On the identical day, Mizuhara was seen smiling within the LA dugout and speaking to Ohtani earlier than translating for the star within the crew’s 5-2 win over the San Diego Padres within the MLB season-opening recreation in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday.
• Later Wednesday, Mizuhara was fired as Ohtani’s interpreter.
• After studying concerning the allegations towards Ohtani and Mizuhara, MLB on Friday introduced it will be pursuing an investigation. The IRS additionally confirmed it was investigating the translator.
CNN’s Eric Levenson and Norma Galeana contributed to this report.