Shohei Ohtani’s gambling scandal could soon end with a guilty plea that supports Ohtani’s claim of innocence in illegal sports betting that used money allegedly stolen from him. The New York Times reports that Ohtani’s former translator, Ipei Mizuhara, is in the process of negotiating a plea deal to charges that he embezzled millions of dollars from Ohtani for betting purposes. The plea deal could confirm Ohtani’s claims that he had no knowledge of illegal betting activities involving his funds, and the investigation is said to be wrapping up soon.
It has been speculated that Mizuhara could take the blame for the betting operation in which he acted as a middleman for Ohtani’s bets. However, if that is the case, Mizuhara could face significant prison time for a crime he claims he did not commit. This highlights the risk athletes face when trusted individuals have access to their finances, which can lead to theft or unauthorized transactions without their knowledge.
This situation serves as a cautionary tale for sports organizations like the NFL, highlighting how athletes can unknowingly be involved in illegal betting schemes through trusted associates. With the rise of legal sports betting that can be easily accessed via mobile phones in some states, athletes need to be aware of who has access to their funds to prevent potential financial exploitation. Ohtani’s case shows the consequences of such situations, with many doubting his innocence despite evidence to the contrary.
