Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani to speak on ex-interpreter's gambling allegations Monday

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Shohei Ohtani will speak with reporters regarding ex-interpreter Ippei Mizuhara allegedly stealing $4.5 million from him to cover gambling debts on Monday. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar told reporters on Sunday before the team's exhibition game against the Los Angeles Angels, his former squad, that he would address the situation on Monday. The Dodgers later confirmed to The Times that would be the plan. 

Ohtani is wrapped up in the league's biggest scandal prior to Opening Day later this week, as his attorneys redacted Mizuhara's initial statement to ESPN, in which he said Ohtani was covering the debts as a friend, and instead called the two-way star a victim of a "massive theft."

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Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara of the Los Angeles Dodgers look on during the Shohei Ohtani Los Angeles Dodgers Press Conference at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, December 14, 2023, in Los Angeles, California.  (Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Ohtani's manager, Dave Roberts, agrees with the decision to speak on the matter. 

"I think it’s the right thing to do," Roberts said, via The Times. "I’m happy he’s going to speak, speak to what he knows and give his thoughts on the whole situation. I think it’ll give us a little bit more clarity."

There are many questions for Ohtani to answer on the matter – how did he not notice $4.5 million being stolen until now? – and there is speculation to debunk, including some opining that he was involved somehow in the situation. 

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