Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani kicked off the 2024 season on a high note with a 2-for-5 performance against the Padres in the first regular-season game held in Seoul, South Korea. However, the excitement quickly turned into controversy for Ohtani and the team as a scandal involving illegal gambling emerged.

Ohtani's lawyers have accused his now-former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, of stealing millions of dollars from him to cover illegal gambling debts. The alleged theft came to light when Ohtani's spokesperson from Berk Brettler law firm announced that they were turning the matter over to the authorities.

Mizuhara, who has already changed his story, first claimed to ESPN that Ohtani had willingly given him the money. However, a day later, Mizuhara stated that Ohtani was unaware of the payments. Mizuhara reportedly confessed his gambling addiction to the clubhouse shortly before being fired by the Dodgers.

The Dodgers organization released a statement acknowledging the situation and confirming Mizuhara's termination, but declined to comment further. It is important to note that nobody has alleged Ohtani's involvement in the bets, either knowingly or unknowingly, at this point.

The illegal bookmaker allegedly involved in the scandal, Mathew Bowyer of Orange County, is currently under federal investigation. Last year, federal investigators raided Bowyer's house, although he has not yet been charged with any crimes. The same investigators have also been looking into a wider gambling operation that may involve former Dodgers player Yasiel Puig.

According to legal expert I. Nelson Rose, the truth behind Mizuhara's statements will be crucial in determining Ohtani's potential culpability. If Ohtani willingly provided the money to pay off Mizuhara's debts, he could be considered complicit in helping an illegal gambler collect. However, if the money was stolen, Ohtani would not be seen as an accomplice.

Meanwhile, the MLB rules explicitly prohibit gambling on baseball, with strict penalties imposed on players, umpires, and officials who place bets with illegal bookmakers. Ohtani has not been accused of placing any bets himself, and an MLB official confirmed that he is not currently facing discipline.

The MLB is closely monitoring the situation and plans to gather all the facts. It is worth noting that the league was not informed of the investigation before the news broke publicly.

As this scandal unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact Ohtani's reputation and the future of his stellar career with the Dodgers. Investigations into the allegations of theft and illegal gambling will likely provide more clarity in the coming days and weeks.

Sources suggest that Ohtani's lawyers are working diligently to ensure justice is served and to protect the player's interests amidst this troubling and unexpected turn of events.