1:20pm: Ohtani released a statement through a spokesperson, with Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic among those to relay it on X:
“Now that the investigation has been completed, this full admission of guilt has brought important closure to me and my family. 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 advisors 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.”
1:00pm: Major League Baseball released a statement to members of the media today regarding Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers, with Alden González of MLB among those to relay it on X: “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.”
Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani’s former interpreter, officially pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud charges in federal court this morning, as also relayed by González on X. Mizuhara’s sentencing is set for October 25 at 2:00pm Pacific.
The Dodgers also released a statement on the matter on X: “With today’s plea in the criminal proceedings against Ippei Mizuhara and the conclusion of both federal and MLB investigations, the Dodgers are pleased that Shohei and the team can put this entire matter behind them and move forward in pursuit of a World Series title.”
MLB announced in March that its Department of Investigations would be looking into the matter. That followed the emergence of various news reports that connected Mizuhara and Ohtani to an illegal gambling ring in California, where sports betting is not legal.
Mizuhara initially told members of the press that he had run up sizeable gambling debts and that Ohtani had agreed to help him by wiring money to the bookmaker. Attorneys representing Ohtani later said that the player had been “the victim of a massive theft.” Ohtani spoke about the situation, accusing Mizuhara of stealing his money and lying about it.
In April, Mizuhara was officially charged by federal officials, with the full 37-page complaint against him being released at that time. Further details emerged last month when it was reported that Mizuhara would be pleading guilty and agreeing to a plea deal. Mizuhara is alleged to have transferred more than $16MM from an account of Ohtani’s to the bookmaker, with the complaint containing phone records, text messages and banking records. Mizuhara allegedly phoned the bank and impersonated Ohtani “at least 24 times” as part of his attempts to access the account in question. Ohtani believed his agents and/or accounts were monitoring the account, whereas their repeated attempts to get access it were thwarted by Mizuhara, who told them that Ohtani wanted it kept private. The complaint also contained a text message wherein Mizuhara admitted to a bookmaker that he stole from Ohtani: “Technically I did steal from him. it’s all over for me.” Investigators found no evidence of wrongdoing on the part of Ohtani, nor did they find any evidence of Mizuhara betting on baseball.
Mizuhara is facing a maximum sentence of 33 years but could wind up with less than that as part of his plea deal. Meghann Cuniff of The Washington Post looked at the sentencing guidelines on X last month, (link one and two) suggesting that Mizuhara’s range would likely be in the range of 78 to 108 months, though also adding on X that the final decision will ultimately lie with the judge. Multiple reports have suggested Mizuhara is likely to be deported to Japan.
