(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
When MLB heard that Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter Ippei Mizuhara was involved in illegal gambling activities, theft, and fraud, the alarms were fired.
They also heard that millions of dollars were paid from Ohtani’s bank account to a bookmaker, and many people became concerned about the integrity of the game.
The league, of course, decided to investigate along with authorities.
That investigation is now over, and it became clear along the way that Ohtani just wasn’t involved in any illegal activities.
With the authorities charging Mizuhara for tax and bank fraud, MLB also closed its investigation and considers the matter finished.
“After Ippei Mizuhara’s guilty plea, MLB has cleared Shohei Ohtani and closed its investigation, citing the thoroughness of the federal investigation and the criminal proceedings not being contested. ‘MLB considers Shohei Ohtani a victim of fraud and this matter has been closed,’” MLB insiderJeff Passan tweeted.
After Ippei Mizuhara’s guilty plea, MLB has cleared Shohei Ohtani and closed its investigation, citing the thoroughness of the federal investigation and the criminal proceedings not being contested.
“MLB considers Shohei Ohtani a victim of fraud and this matter has been closed.”
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 4, 2024
Basically, since the authorities and law enforcement conducted such a thorough investigation and none of the parties contested the results in any way, MLB decided to adhere to the findings.
At this point, there is no doubt that Ohtani, far from performing any illegal activities, is considered a victim.
Mizuhara impersonated him to gain access to his bank account, stole millions of dollars from him, and put him in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
Ohtani, naturally, felt betrayed.
Now, Mizuhara is facing a maximum sentence of 33 years in jail and his future is murky, at best.
Thankfully, the saga should be closed until, at least, October, when the sentencing becomes public.
The post MLB Finalizes Shohei Ohtani Investigation appeared first on The Cold Wire.