MLB Interpreter Ippei Mizuhara Begins Imprisonment on Shohei Ohtani's Debut Pitching Day for Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani's Interpreter's Gambling Scandal: The Lowdown
The (notorious, shady) disgraced interpreter for baseball phenom Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara, stepped into the Federal Correctional Institution at Allenwood Low on June 16, 2025, beginning his 57-month sentence. This sentence, however, coincided with a pivotal day for Ohtani himself – his comeback to the mound post-Tommy John surgery.
Mizuhara's career as Ohtani's interpreter spanned from 2018 to 2024 – a period that saw him in the spotlight with the Los Angeles Dodgers. But, things took a dark turn after he admitted to pilfering from Ohtani's earnings – about $14 million – to settle his colossal gambling debts that amounted to a staggering $41 million. Unbelievably, he even impersonated Ohtani during phone calls to the player's banks to withdraw funds.
To clear up any doubts, Mizuhara also pleaded guilty to one count each of bank fraud and falsifying tax returns. His gambling exploits were uncovered during a federal investigation focused on illegal sports gambling activities, in which Mizuhara was found to be part of an illicit betting ring.
The scandal, which unfolded shortly after Ohtani debuted for the Dodgers in an international series against the San Diego Padres, was rampant in baseball headlines last year. Initially, speculation circulated that Mizuhara had been guarding Ohtani, the $700 million star, but it soon became clear that Mizuhara had been using his position to satisfy his gambling addiction.
ESPN reported that Mizuhara surrendered himself on June 16, following a delayed initial surrender date from March, which had been extended. Simultaneously, Ohtani made his return to pitching for the Dodgers against the San Diego Padres, having not taken to the mound since 2023 while recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.
In the aftermath of the scandal, Ohtani won the National League's (NL) MVP award in his debut season as a Dodger and the Commissioner's Trophy, much to the surprise and disbelief of many fans.
What do you think about Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter's gambling scandal? Let us know your thoughts at alejandro.avila@our website / Follow us on X: @*alejandroaveela***
(Aside from Ohtani and Mizuhara, an illegal sports betting ring operated by Matt Bowyer also played a role in this sordid tale.)
Despite Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, being sentenced for a 57-month term due to his gambling scandal, Ohtani continued his career in baseball, particularly with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where Mizuhara had been his interpreter. Mizuhara's illegal activities included gambling on sports, specifically baseball, and using Ohtani's earnings to settle his extensive debts, which reached $41 million.
