The world of Major League Baseball is dealing with a controversial revelation as The Los Angeles Times today reported allegations of significant theft by Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, aimed at funding illegal sports betting activities. The accusations against the interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, surfaced after Ohtani’s name was unexpectedly linked to an investigation concerning an individual named Michael Bowyer.
Deep within the heart of Orange County, California, a federal probe into Bowyer’s activities related to illegal sports wagering brought about the unexpected mention of the global baseball sensation’s name. Although Bowyer’s residence was subject to a “raid” by agents, his attorney has clarified that Bowyer, who faces no charges at present, has never been in contact with Ohtani.
What has become apparent from two insiders, however, is the staggering amount of money involved—the sum reaching into the millions of dollars. The ongoing investigation into Bowyer might just be the tip of the iceberg, suggesting links to a broader illegal bookmaking network operating out of Orange County. This network is believed to include former minor league baseball player Wayne Nix at its center.
Adding to the drama, Yasiel Puig, an ex-player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, found himself engulfed in these murky waters when he was indicted in connection to the same betting syndicate. Unlike others hinted at in the investigation, Puig has publicly pled not guilty to the charges of illegal sports betting.
Particularly troublesome for the MLB community is the assertion by two individuals familiar with the matter, who indicated to the Times that Ippei Mizuhara had placed bets through Bowyer. However, many questions still linger as to the nature of the bets, such as the specific sports Mizuhara gambled on, the sums of money involved, how often these bets were made, or the time frame of the wagering activities.
Meanwhile, Ohtani, now arguably baseball’s most lucrative player after agreeing to a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, remains far from the fray, currently in Korea for a series opener against the San Diego Padres taking place in Seoul. Following six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, his new fortunes with the Dodgers have been marred by these allegations, leading the team to dismiss Mizuhara, as confirmed by a team spokesperson.
Amidst this backdrop of controversy, it’s important to note that sports betting, in general, remains illegal in the state of California. Moreover, Major League Baseball’s stringent rules prohibit any form of wagering by its players, officials, and other associated personnel on the sport—even in regions where such betting might be lawful, let alone engaging in illicit gambling ventures.
Since the US Supreme Court decision in 2018, which effectively transformed sports betting into an issue of states’ rights, overseeing jurisdictions have witnessed a surge in legal betting across over 35 U.S. territories. Nonetheless, illegal betting still poses significant risks and has shown signs of infiltrating professional sports.
Recent disciplinary actions across major leagues indicate the seriousness of the issue. Last year, the NFL imposed suspensions on ten players, with the NHL taking action against one individual due to unauthorized gambling activities. In a particularly egregious case, a former employee of the Jacksonville Jaguars was accused in December 2023 of embezzling $22 million from the team, allegedly to sustain a gambling addiction.
The case of Ohtani’s interpreter serves as yet another jarring example of how even the most respected figures in sports can become caught up in the web of illegal gambling—a stark reminder of the imperatives of maintaining integrity within the game. As the situation unfolds, the sports world watches with a careful eye, bracing for the possible repercussions that could come from these startling allegations.
