Ippei Mizuhara – the Japanese interpreter who was Shohei OhtaniOhtani’s right-hand man for nearly a decade – was fired by the Dodgers … after Ohtani’s lawyers alleged he engaged in a “massive theft” of the two-way star’s fortune.
The lawyers – from Los Angeles-based law firm Berk Brettler – said in a statement to Los Angeles Times they discovered the alleged theft after Ohtani’s name came up in a federal investigation of an alleged illegal bookmaker, Matthew Bowyer.
According to The Times, Mizuhara was accused of taking some of Ohtani’s funds and using them to place bets with Bowyer. Ohtani’s lawyers told the media outlet that they will now reach out to the police to further investigate their findings.
“In responding to recent media inquiries,” the lawyers said, “we discovered that Shohei was the victim of a massive robbery and are turning the matter over to the authorities.”
The Dodgers confirmed Wednesday afternoon that they released Mizuhara following the allegations. No further comments from the team were added.
Mizuhara and Ohtani I just joined the Dodgers this season … after the two-time MVP signed with them in free agency on a 10-year deal worth $700 million.
Before donning Dodger Blue, the pair worked together during Ohtani’s historic six seasons as an LA Angel.
Developing story…
