Shohei Ohtani set to speak today as theft allegations against his interpreter spur investigation

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is expected to address the media Monday afternoon as Major League Baseball investigates allegations of theft against his longtime interpreter.

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is expected to address the media Monday afternoon as Major League Baseball investigates allegations of theft against his longtime interpreter. Ohtani will make a statement to the media at 5:45 p.m. ET and will not be taking questions, according to the team. “I’m happy he’s going to speak – speak to what he knows and give his thoughts on the whole situation,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Sunday. “I think it’ll give us a little bit more clarity.” Will Ireton, a Dodgers employee, will serve as Ohtani’s interpreter, Roberts said. The allegations came to light last week when Ohtani’s Japanese interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired after Ohtani’s lawyers accused him of “massive theft” of millions of dollars and placing bets with a bookmaker under federal investigation, according to ESPN and the Los Angeles Times, which first reported the story. Ohtani, who doesn’t speak often with reporters, has not spoken publicly since Mizuhara’s firing. The star two-way player signed an unparalleled 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers this offseason.