Shohei Ohtani seemed set to enter another MLB season basking in the limelight — this time in the blue and white Dodgers threads.
The two-way star certainly did start the season as the center of attention, albeit in a very unexpected way. As Ohtani and the Dodgers began their season with an international series in South Korea against the Padres, Ohtani’s interpreter and longtime friend Ippei Mizuhara came under scrutiny for a sports betting scandal.
Mizuhara found himself in debt as a result of his illegal gambling, so he allegedly stole more than $ 16 million from Ohtani to help pay off the bookie, according to investigators. Ohtani’s legal team described the star as a “victim of massive theft.”
The Dodgers fired Mizuhara in the wake of the scandal and hired a new interpreter for Ohtani.
After weeks of investigation, the gambling saga is reaching its pinnacle. Mizuhara agreed Wednesday to plead guilty to federal charges, and he is expected to enter the guilty plea in the coming weeks, ESPN reported.
The Sporting News details the charges against Mizuhara and what this means for Ohtani.
MORE: Shohei Ohtani was ‘shocked’ by Ippei Mizuhara’s gambling scandal
What are the charges against Ippei Mizuhara?
Mizuhara agreed to plead guilty to federal charges of felony bank fraud and submitting a false tax return.
The former interpreter, who turned himself into authorities last month, would have faced up to 33 years in federal prison if his case had gone to trial. Instead, he will face a judge to determine the length of his sentence, though the sentencing date has not been set.
In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors will recommend a reduced sentence.
Mizuhara lost more than $ 40 million in bets and stole nearly $ 17 million from Ohtani. He allegedly made 19,000 bets from from December 2021 to January 2024.
Mizuhara was charged with bank fraud because he “impersonated Ohtani and later changed information in order to start funneling money from the account.” He also was charged with submitting a false tax return, which means Mizuhara kept his winnings and losses secret from the government.
MORE: Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara relationship and gambling timelime
How long with Ippei Mizuhara be in prison?
The timetable for Mizuhara’s sentence is unknown, though as a result of his plea agreement, he should not face the maximum.
Felony bank fraud can carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, while submitting false tax returns can mean up to three years. That would be a total of 33 years behind bars. But because Mizuhara has agreed to plead guilty, prosecutors will recommend a reduced sentence.
The court proceedings are expected to begin next Tuesday, though no sentencing date has been set.
Will Shohei Ohtani be suspended?
Ohtani won’t be suspended for Mizuhara’s actions, as the investigation proved Ohtani was not involved in providing funds to Mizuhara.
The Japanese baseball star will avoid punishment and continue his terrific start to the season in the Dodgers blue.
