In a shocking development, the IRS has launched a criminal investigation into Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, and Matthew Bowyer, the alleged illegal bookmaker tied to the high-profile theft case involving Ohtani. The investigation is being conducted through the IRS' Los Angeles Field Office, although no additional details have been disclosed by the agency's spokesperson, Scott Villiard.

The Los Angeles Dodgers terminated Mizuhara's employment following reports from the Los Angeles Times and ESPN, revealing his alleged links to an illegal bookmaker and debts exceeding $1 million. This news came shortly after Ohtani's debut with the Dodgers in South Korea, where Mizuhara had been accompanying the superstar player. Ohtani's law firm, Berk Brettler LLP, has made it known that they consider him a victim and are turning the matter over to the authorities.

It is important to note that sports gambling is illegal in California, despite it being allowed in 38 states and the District of Columbia in some form. Efforts to reach Mizuhara for comment have been unsuccessful, and it remains unknown if he has enlisted legal representation.

In a statement provided by Diane Bass, Bowyer's attorney, it was clarified that Bowyer had no direct contact with Shohei Ohtani. Instead, Mizuhara was the sole individual with whom Bowyer had communication. Bass confirmed that Bowyer's home was searched in October but emphasized that no charges have been filed against him so far. Operating an unlicensed betting business is considered a federal crime.

Mizuhara, who has been Ohtani's loyal interpreter throughout his baseball career, has become a familiar face to fans, appearing with Ohtani at media engagements and other events since the player's arrival in the United States in 2017. Even during Ohtani's tenure with the Los Angeles Angels, Mizuhara continued to provide his interpreting services. The Dodgers also hired Mizuhara after Ohtani signed a massive $700-million contract with the team in December, further cementing their working relationship.

The Los Angeles Dodgers organization has issued a statement acknowledging the media reports and stating that they are gathering information regarding the matter. They have terminated Mizuhara's employment, but beyond that, no further comments have been made.

Amidst these developments, Shohei Ohtani took the field for the second game of the series on Thursday as the Dodgers' designated hitter, managing to hit a single in the first inning. The Dodgers, however, lost the game 15-11. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that a meeting had taken place involving Mizuhara but declined to provide details. He mentioned that another interpreter was being used in Mizuhara's absence.

This news concerning Mizuhara emerged just one day after a reported bomb threat that targeted Ohtani. Fortunately, no explosives were found, bringing relief to the situation.

It is worth noting that MLB rules prohibit players and team employees from participating in any form of betting, including legal wagers on baseball. Mizuhara acknowledged this ban in an interview with ESPN, stating that he had never bet on baseball. Instead, his bets were placed on international soccer, the NBA, the NFL, and college football. The MLB's gambling policy imposes a one-year ban for betting on baseball, while penalties for illegal betting on other sports are at the discretion of the commissioner.

As the investigation continues, fans and the baseball community are left stunned by this scandal, which could potentially rival the gambling controversy involving Pete Rose in 1989. With Mizuhara and Bowyer facing criminal scrutiny, the outcome of this investigation will have significant ramifications for all parties involved.