The Los Angeles Dodgers made headlines on Wednesday as they fired Shohei Ohtani's interpreter and close friend, Ippei Mizuhara, following allegations of illegal gambling and theft from the Japanese baseball star. Mizuhara, 39, was let go from the team after reports surfaced that he had ties to an illegal bookmaker and had allegedly stolen millions of dollars from Ohtani to use for his gambling activities. The team, currently in Seoul, South Korea, for Ohtani's debut, confirmed Mizuhara's termination in a statement.

Mizuhara, born in Japan, moved to the U.S. in 1991 and attended Diamond Bar High School before graduating from the University of California, Riverside in 2007. He began his career as an interpreter for the Boston Red Sox and later worked with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan, where he first met Ohtani in 2013. Mizuhara followed Ohtani to the Los Angeles Angels in 2017 and continued to work as his personal interpreter when Ohtani signed a $700 million contract with the Dodgers in 2023.

The allegations against Mizuhara involve the theft of Ohtani's funds to place illegal bets with bookmaker Matthew Bowyer, who is under federal investigation. ESPN reported that at least $4.5 million was transferred from Ohtani's accounts to the bookmaking operation. While Mizuhara denied betting on baseball, MLB rules prohibit players and team employees from wagering on the sport, as well as on other sports with illegal or offshore bookmakers.

Ohtani's attorneys have stated that he was a victim of theft and that they are turning the matter over to the authorities. The ongoing investigation is linked to a larger illegal gambling case involving former Dodgers player Yasiel Puig and former minor league player Wayne Nix. Prior to the news of Mizuhara's firing, Ohtani and Mizuhara's relationship had been well-documented by sports outlets, with the two frequently seen together at media events and games.

The situation has shocked fans worldwide, as Ohtani's stardom continues to grow. Despite undergoing elbow surgery and being unable to pitch this season, Ohtani made his debut as the Dodgers' designated hitter in their season opener against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, going 2 for 5 with an RBI. The investigation into Mizuhara's alleged illegal gambling activities and theft from Ohtani is ongoing, with the United States Attorney's Office in Los Angeles leading the case.