Major League Baseball (MLB) announced in a statement on the 22nd that it has begun formal procedures to investigate allegations surrounding Los Angeles Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani and his translator, Ippei Mizuhara.
MLB said it had been gathering information since learning of the allegations “from the news media.”
Sports outlet ESPN reported on the 20th that $4.5 million (681 million yen) was transferred from Otani’s bank account to an illegal sports betting bookmaker that is the subject of a federal investigation. A spokesperson for Otani initially said the money was sent to cover the gambling debts of Mr. Mizuhara, a friend and longtime interpreter of the player.
However, the law firm representing Otani later denied that explanation, saying Mizuhara had committed “a huge theft.” According to ESPN, Mizuhara bet on several sports, but not on MLB.
MLB’s gambling regulations, known as “Rule 21,” stipulate that players who bet on their own games are permanently ineligible to play, and those who bet on any other baseball game are ineligible for one year. However, MLB does not prohibit players from betting on other sports. Also, any sports betting with illegal bookmakers is not allowed. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred can take any action he deems appropriate on such bets.
Otani has not been charged with gambling. According to MLB officials, MLB learned of the case involving Mizuhara through media reports, but has not been contacted by federal law enforcement authorities. The Dodgers confirmed that Mizuhara, who served as Ohtani’s interpreter, had left the team, but declined to comment in detail.
原題:Major League Baseball Begins Probe Into Ohtani Allegations、Ohtani Scandal Spotlights Sport’s Messy Embrace Of Gambling (1)(抜粋)
(Update by adding background etc. from the 3rd paragraph onwards.)
2024-03-23 02:54:40
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