Betrayal on the Diamond: Interpreter's Greed Steals Millions from Shohei Ohtani

A Shocking Breach of Trust

The world of baseball was rocked Thursday as Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter and confidant to superstar Shohei Ohtani, was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for a staggering $17 million bank and tax fraud scheme. Mizuhara, entrusted to bridge the language gap between Ohtani and the English-speaking world, instead exploited that very vulnerability for personal gain.

U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb, upon issuing the sentence, expressed his astonishment at the scale of the theft, remarking, "The magnitude... $17 million... is shockingly high. Most people don't make that much money in their lifetime." Mizuhara has been ordered to pay $18 million in restitution, the bulk of which will go to Ohtani, with the remainder going to the IRS.

From Confidant to Con Artist

Mizuhara's betrayal cuts deep. He had cultivated a close relationship with Ohtani, accompanying him from Japan to the U.S. and becoming an integral part of his daily life. From mundane errands like grocery shopping to witnessing Ohtani's most celebrated moments, including Home Run Derby appearances and MVP wins, Mizuhara was a constant presence.

He even famously resigned from the Los Angeles Angels during the 2021 MLB lockout to maintain contact with Ohtani, only to be rehired later. This seemingly unwavering loyalty makes the betrayal all the more devastating.

Gambling Addiction Fuels a Downward Spiral

Mizuhara's defense pointed to a gambling addiction and the influence of an unscrupulous bookmaker who offered unlimited credit, exploiting Mizuhara's connection to Ohtani. Mizuhara admitted to using the stolen funds to fuel his growing gambling debts and to purchase $325,000 worth of baseball cards, along with personal dental expenses.

Addressing the court, a contrite Mizuhara expressed remorse, stating, "I am truly, deeply sorry for what I have done. I am prepared to be punished for it." However, prosecutor Jeff Mitchell emphasized the lasting damage to Ohtani's reputation, stating, "The most significant harm to Mr. Ohtani is the reputational damage, which may never be fully repaired."

A High-Profile Case with Lasting Implications

This case, stemming from a wider investigation into illegal sports betting and money laundering, highlights the vulnerability of high-profile individuals, particularly those navigating a new culture and language. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally stressed that Ohtani was a victim in this situation, a sentiment echoed by many.

Mizuhara’s scheme involved manipulating Ohtani’s bank account security and impersonating the baseball star to authorize wire transfers. Millions were gambled on international soccer, the NBA, NFL, and college football. The impact on Ohtani, both financially and reputationally, is significant, leaving a dark cloud over an otherwise stellar career.