NEWSLETTER
What a day for Major League Baseball in the world of sports betting. From handing out massive suspensions and a lifetime ban, to now officially clearing Shohei Ohtani of any wrongdoing in connection with the fraud (and sports betting) case of his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.
Mizuhara today pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to his theft of millions of dollars from Ohtani, which he has said were to cover his sports betting debts:
With the Mizuhara federal case having reached something of a conclusion, MLB was prepared to issue a statement on its investigation into Shohei Ohtani (ESPN):
“Based on the thoroughness of the federal investigation that was made public, the information MLB collected, and the criminal proceeding being resolved without being contested, MLB considers Shohei Ohtani a victim of fraud and this matter has been closed.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers also released a statement (ESPN):
“With today’s plea in the criminal proceedings against Ippei Mizuhara and the conclusion of both federal and MLB investigations, the Dodgers are please that Shohei and the team can put this entire matter behind them and move forward in pursuit of a World Series title.”
