Dodgers Fire Ohtani’s Interpreter After Allegations of ‘Massive Theft’ From Japanese Star

Ippei Mizuhara had been interpreting for Shohei Ohtani with the media and at other appearances since the baseball star came to the United States in 2017.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani talks to his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara during a game against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea, on March 20, 2024. Lee Jin-man/AP Photo

Shortly after the Los Angeles Dodgers opened the Major League Baseball regular season with a 5–2 victory over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday in Seoul, South Korea, the club fired Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter and close friend following allegations of illegal gambling and theft from the Japanese star.

Interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, 39, was let go from the team Wednesday following reports from The Los Angeles Times and ESPN about his alleged ties to an illegal bookmaker.