ESPN reported that MLB is expected to request interviews with all parties, including Ohtani and Mizuhara, although officials cannot compel Mizuhara’s cooperation because he no longer works in the major leagues.
The complex and murky matter emerged this week when the West Hollywood law firm Berk and Brettler issued a statement on Ohtani’s behalf after receiving media inquiries about a federal investigation into the alleged illegal bookmaker, in which the Ohtani’s name.
“In responding to recent media inquiries, we discovered that Shohei has been the victim of a massive theft and we are handing the matter over to the authorities,” the law firm said.
ESPN reported that questions had been raised about “at least $4.5 million in wire transfers sent from Ohtani’s account” to an associate of the investigated bookmaker.
Multiple sources, including Mizuhara, told ESPN that Ohtani does not gamble and that the funds covered Mizuhara’s losses.
MLB’s betting policy prohibits “any player, umpire, club, or league official or employee” from betting on baseball or placing illegal bets on any other sport.
While sports betting has been legalized in most US states, online betting and retail sportsbooks remain illegal in California.
The 29-year-old Japanese star, who has been compared to a modern version of Babe Ruth, has become the international face of the league. He joined the Dodgers in December on a 10-year, $700 million contract after playing six seasons in MLB with the Los Angeles Angels.
2024-03-24 00:21:19
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