Shohei Ohtani, often hailed as one of the most transformative figures in baseball since Babe Ruth, consistently commands attention. However, instead of making headlines with colossal home runs or blazing fastballs, his recent notoriety stems from a connection to a sordid gambling scandal.

In essence, an interpreter working with the Los Angeles Dodgers' star player allegedly siphoned funds from Ohtani's bank account to a purported bookmaker. Initially, this raised questions about whether the interpreter pilfered from the baseball luminary or if Ohtani himself was settling debts accrued by the interpreter. Ohtani refuted any involvement in the scandal during a press conference on March 25, asserting that the interpreter had "been stealing money from my account and has told lies."

On April 11, federal prosecutors announced the filing of a federal criminal complaint charging the interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, with bank fraud. The complaint alleges that Mizuhara, aged 39, illicitly transferred over $16 million from Ohtani's bank account without the player's knowledge or consent "to settle his own substantial gambling debts incurred with an illicit bookmaking operation." These transfers purportedly occurred between November 2021 and January 2024.

U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Martin Estrada emphasized Ohtani's status as a victim in the case during a press conference, stating, "There is no evidence to indicate that Mr. Ohtani authorized the over $16 million of transfers from his account to the bookmakers."

The complaint does not suggest any bets were placed on baseball games.

Both Mizuhara's attorney and representatives for Ohtani have declined to comment on the matter.

Sources familiar with the situation informed NBC News on April 10 that federal authorities were likely to charge Mizuhara in connection with a gambling investigation linked to a former bookie in Orange County, California. Ohtani has reportedly been cooperating with the investigation.

Continue reading to explore more about Ohtani's background and how he became embroiled in this controversy.

Who is Shohei Ohtani?

Describing Ohtani as a once-in-a-generation talent truly highlights his exceptional abilities. He possesses a rare dual skill set, excelling both as a fielder and hitter, while also showcasing prowess on the pitcher's mound. This unique combination is a rarity in professional baseball, with parallels drawn only to the legendary Babe Ruth, who achieved similar feats a century ago. Not only does Ohtani excel in multiple facets of the game, but he does so with remarkable proficiency.

Born on July 5, 1994, in Oshu, Japan, Ohtani embarked on his professional baseball career in Japan from 2013 to 2017. It was during this period that he crossed paths with Mizuhara, the interpreter currently embroiled in controversy. Following his tenure in Japan, Ohtani made the transition to Major League Baseball by signing with the Los Angeles Angels.

Ohtani's tenure with the Angels commenced in 2018. During that season, he showcased his versatility on the mound with a record of 4-2 and an impressive 3.31 ERA. Additionally, at the plate, he boasted a batting average of .285 and hammered 22 home runs. Such remarkable performances led to Ohtani being crowned the American League Rookie of the Year.

Despite the Angels facing challenges and failing to reach the playoffs during his time with the team, Ohtani consistently delivered outstanding performances, despite contending with injuries that occasionally hindered his pitching abilities. Garnering recognition as a three-time All-Star, Ohtani's excellence was further underscored by clinching the American League MVP title in both 2021 and 2023, with a close runner-up finish in 2022. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in Japan's victory in the World Baseball Classic of 2023.

Ohtani signs with the Dodgers

Following the conclusion of the 2023 season, Ohtani entered free agency. In a groundbreaking move, he inked a monumental 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, setting a new benchmark as the largest deal in the history of professional sports.

Known for his guarded privacy, perhaps the most unexpected revelations about Ohtani prior to this controversy were his disclosure of his marital status and the existence of his canine companion. These revelations highlighted his previously pristine public image, suggesting a largely squeaky-clean persona.

What is the gambling controversy?

In March, the Los Angeles Times revealed that Ohtani's name surfaced in a federal investigation linked to an alleged bookmaker, Mathew Bowyer, reportedly associated with Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. The investigation did not lead to charges against Bowyer. Mizuhara was subsequently terminated by the Dodgers following the publication of the story.

Diane Bass, an attorney representing Bowyer, asserted, "Bowyer has never had any contact with Shohei Ohtani. He has never met him; he has never spoken with him."

Allegations against Mizuhara centered on wire transfers totaling over $4.5 million from Ohtani's bank account to a California-based bookmaking operation, purportedly overseen by Bowyer and currently under federal scrutiny. These transfers allegedly occurred in at least nine installments of $500,000 each, according to a source familiar with Ohtani and Mizuhara's interactions.

Major League Baseball initiated an investigation into the matter.

According to a source familiar with Mizuhara and Ohtani's dealings, Mizuhara initially disclosed to Ohtani's representatives that he had accumulated significant gambling debts and sought assistance from Ohtani. Mizuhara reportedly claimed that Ohtani agreed to assist in settling the debt under the condition that Mizuhara ceased gambling. However, as news of the situation became public, Mizuhara allegedly changed his narrative to Ohtani's representatives, denying Ohtani's involvement and stating that Ohtani was unaware of his gambling activities. The source further alleged that Mizuhara illicitly transferred funds from Ohtani's account without his knowledge.

Bass clarified, "Mr. Mizuhara was placing bets mostly on international soccer and occasionally basketball and football, but never baseball."

Mizuhara did not respond to recent inquiries from NBC News.

Attorneys representing Ohtani have characterized the baseball superstar as a "victim of a massive theft."

On April 11, federal prosecutors announced charges against Mizuhara for bank fraud. The announcement detailed that Mizuhara was charged via a federal criminal complaint for unlawfully transferring over $16 million from Ohtani's account to settle his own extensive gambling debts with an illegal bookmaking operation, without Ohtani's consent or awareness.

What has Ohtani said about the controversy?

On March 25, Ohtani convened a press conference at Dodger Stadium to address the unfolding situation, although he refrained from fielding questions from the media. Speaking through his newly appointed interpreter, Will Ireton, Ohtani addressed the matter, expressing his dismay and shock at being victimized by theft.

"I’m very sad and shocked that someone who I trusted has done this," he remarked.

Ohtani emphatically stated, "I never bet on baseball or any other sports or never have asked somebody to do that on my behalf, and I have never went through a bookmaker to bet on sports."

Furthermore, Ohtani reiterated that Mizuhara had unlawfully accessed the funds without his knowledge.

"Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has told lies," Ohtani declared.

"I do want to make it clear that I never bet on sports or have willfully sent money to the bookmaker," he added emphatically.

What’s at stake?

The IRS has initiated a criminal investigation into Mizuhara, while Major League Baseball has launched its own inquiry. Major League Baseball maintains a strict stance on gambling.

According to its rules, "Any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has no duty to perform, shall be declared ineligible for one year."

"Any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform, shall be declared permanently ineligible," it continues.

Moreover, engaging with a bookmaker incurs penalties determined by the Major League Baseball commissioner.

"Any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee who places bets with illegal bookmakers, or agents for illegal bookmakers, shall be subject to such penalty as the Commissioner deems appropriate in light of the facts and circumstances of the conduct," the rules state.