Major League Baseball (MLB) has launched an investigation into allegations of illegal gambling linked to Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers’ star Shohei Ohtani. The inquiry was initiated after reports surfaced in the Los Angeles Times and ESPN implicating Mizuhara in dealings with an illegal bookmaker. Mizuhara was terminated from his role amidst the allegations as the Dodgers were in Seoul, South Korea, for a series against the San Diego Padres.

The MLB’s Department of Investigations began looking into the matter after these reports came to light. In addition to the MLB’s probe, the Internal Revenue Service’s Los Angeles Field Office has commenced a criminal investigation into Mizuhara and an alleged illegal bookmaker named Mathew Bowyer. The specifics of the investigations have not been disclosed, but they emphasize MLB’s strict regulations against gambling activities among players and staff. Such activities carry the risk of suspension or permanent bans under the commissioner’s authority.

Shohei Ohtani, an integral figure in the Dodgers and known for his remarkable abilities as both a pitcher and hitter, finds himself adjacent to these allegations. It was reported that Ohtani had transferred millions of dollars to cover a gambling debt, although details remain limited. The timing is particularly sensitive as Ohtani recently secured a record $700 million contract over 10 years, spotlighting the league’s efforts to bolster its international appeal, especially in Asia.

This situation brings to the fore the ongoing issues related to sports betting in the US, amid a landscape where sports betting is legal in many states, but remains prohibited in others like California where the Dodgers are based. The incident serves as a focal point for discussions on sports integrity and the effect of gambling on the sport and its participants.