Ohtani says interpreter stole from him, told lies
Written by I Dig SportsLOS ANGELES -- Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani said Monday he never bet on sports and interpreter Ippei Mizuhara stole money from him and told lies.
Ohtani held a news conference at Dodger Stadium, five days after Mizuhara was fired by the Dodgers after his alleged ties to an illegal bookmaker and debts well over $1 million were reported last week.
"I am very saddened and shocked someone whom I trusted has done this," the Japanese star said sitting next to Will Ireton, the team's manager of performance operations, who translated.
Ohtani spoke for nearly 12 minutes, referring to a document in front of him. He did not take questions.
"Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has been telling lies," Ohtani said.
A two-time MVP, Ohtani left the Los Angeles Angels in December to sign a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers.
"I never bet on baseball or any other sports or never have asked somebody to do it on my behalf and I have never gone through a bookmaker to bet on sports. and was never asked to assist betting (payment for anyone else," Ohtani said.