The star of the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtaniis involved in an explosive legal case against his former interpreter and trusted friend, Ippei Mizuharawhom he accuses of robbing him near $17 million to finance illegal gambling, personal expenses and an extravagant baseball card collection.
Shohei Ohtani He demands his former interpreter to return the money he stole from him
According to court documents, Mizuhara not only manipulated Ohtani’s bank accounts from 2021but also impersonated of the player to authorize transfers.
Among the most absurd expenses are: $325,000 in trading cardssome even autographed by himself Ohtani.
The most shocking thing is that Mizuhara, who was a key figure in the ballplayer’s career—from his participation in the Home Run Derby to his MVP awards—used his closeness to gain full access to the player’s finances.
All this while he bet millions on international football, NBA and NFL, accumulating debts with illegal brokers. Although he avoided betting on baseball, his actions left a devastating impact.
In June 2024Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank fraud and tax evasion, admitting to stealing millions while maintaining the façade of being Ohtani’s faithful sidekick.
Now face up to 30 years in prison and could be deported to Japan after losing his permanent resident status in the United States.
The betrayal of Mizuhara contrasts brutally with the recent glory of Ohtani, who led the Dodgers to the World Series title and secured their third MVP award.
However, this scandal threatens to tarnish his career, as Mizuhara not only stole his money, but also the trust of those around him.
Shohei Ohtani’s Ippei Mizuhara saga takes odd $325,000 baseball card twist pic.twitter.com/GS3onJexMz
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) November 28, 2024
Ohtani demands the return of not only the money, but also the trading cards purchased with his stolen money.
Tension grows as Mizuhara awaits his final sentence in January 2025an outcome that could mark the closure of one of the most notorious betrayals in the history of baseball.
Is this the price of fame? What is clear is that not even the best player in the world is safe from those who are willing to bet everything, even friendships, for a little more money.
