MLB is doing due diligence with Shohei Ohtani … with sources counting TMZ Sports that league officials are gathering information to determine whether the face of baseball was involved in the gambling scandal surrounding his translator.
Ohtani’s best friend and performer Ippei Mizuhara gave conflicting stories about Shohei’s involvement… first saying that the Dodgers star was well aware of his massive gambling debts and loaned him millions of dollars to get out of the hole. He later backtracked, saying the Japanese two-way athlete had no idea.
As for Ohtani, his lawyer claims he was the victim of a “massive robbery”.
Now, MLB is trying to figure out what the hell is going on — not necessarily because they believe Shohei did anything wrong — but because gambling is an existential threat to any professional sport.
Look no further than Pete Rose …who, despite his exploits on the diamond, was banned for life in 1989 after admitting to betting on games – although no one accused Ohtani of betting on baseball or any other sport.
It’s important to note that it appears Ohtani — who signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers this offseason — has nothing to hide.
We’re told his team alerted authorities to the “theft”… and the feds are currently investigating.
No one connected to the investigation was arrested.
The Dodgers are 1-1 on the season, and their newly signed star is off to a solid start despite the scandal… collecting 3 hits and 2 RBIs in 10 season appearances.
