Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter fired amid accusations of ‘massive theft’

The longtime interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has been fired after being accused by Ohtani’s attorneys of “massive theft” that the attorneys allege is tied to gambling, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

The longtime interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has been fired after being accused by Ohtani’s attorneys of “massive theft” that the attorneys allege is tied to gambling, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday. Ohtani’s legal team accused former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara of stealing millions of dollars and placing bets with a bookmaker under federal investigation, according to the newspaper and ESPN. The details were first reported by the Los Angeles Times. “In the course of responding to recent media inquiries, we discovered that Shohei has been the victim of a massive theft and we are turning the matter over to the authorities,” Ohtani’s law firm, Berk Brettler LLP, told CNN. The Dodgers “can confirm that interpreter Ippei Mizuhara has been terminated,” the Dodgers said in a release. The Dodgers also are “aware of media reports and are gathering information.” The team added it had no further comment. Mizuhara translated for Ohtani in the team’s 5-2 win over the San Diego Padres in the MLB season-opening game in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday.