Shohei Ohtani cleared of wrongdoing in interpreter gambling scandal

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As Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud, the MLB superstar himself has been cleared.

Ippei Mizuhara stole nearly $17 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers star, and now faces 33 years in prison.

When the news initially broke in March, there was speculation that Ohtani was involved in either betting or knowingly paying the bookie, but Ohtani maintained his innocence and said he was not aware of Mizuhara's apparent gambling addiction.

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Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani talks with interpreter Ippei Mizuhara during the ninth inning of an opening day game against the San Diego Padres at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea, March 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Major League Baseball, in its own investigation, cleared Ohtani of any wrongdoing.

"MLB considers Shohei Ohtani a victim of fraud and this matter has been closed," the league said in a statement. 

"Now that the investigation has been completed, this full admission of guilt has brought important closure to me and my family," Ohtani said in a statement of his own. "I want to sincerely thank the authorities for finishing their thorough and effective investigation so quickly and uncovering all of the evidence.

"This has been a uniquely challenging time, so I am especially grateful for my support team – my family, agent, agency, lawyers, and advisers along with the entire Dodger organization, who showed endless support throughout this process.

"It's time to close this chapter, move on and continue to focus on playing and winning ballgames."

Shohei Ohtani on deck during the