Dodgers’ Manager Dave Roberts Finally Speaks On Shohei Ohtani’s Gambling Controversy
Regarding the claims of theft and gambling involving his former translator, Shohei Ohtani stayed silent on Sunday. However, Dave Roberts, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, expressed the expectation that Ohtani’s scheduled speech on Monday would provide “clarity.”
Dodgers’ Manager Dave Roberts Finally Speaks On Shohei Ohtani’s Gambling Controversy
Since the shocking accusations that resulted in the Dodgers firing his longtime translator and close friend Ippei Mizuhara, Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani has not made public remarks.
The celebrity, according to Ohtani’s reps, was the victim of “massive theft” that reportedly included millions of dollars and connected Mizuhara to a possible illicit bookmaker in California.
Dave Roberts on if Shohei Ohtani could have a Michael Jordan-like impact on MLB:
"As far as talent certainly. As an athlete, the guys that get the legacies are the guys that win multiple championships, & Shohei signed here to win multiple championships. That's his only goal." pic.twitter.com/32b2ZtxW9h
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) March 16, 2024
For the time being, Shohei’s manager Dave Roberts discussed the problem the Japanese footballer is facing with media, stating that it is “good” for him to stand up and reveal his identity.
“I think it’s good. I think it’s the right thing to do. I’m happy he’s going to speak, speak to what he knows and give his thoughts on the whole situation. I think it’ll give us a little bit more clarity,” Roberts said, via Dodgers Beat reporter Bill Plunkett.
Shohei Ohtani could see some time in the outfield this season when he isn’t the Dodgers designated hitter according to Dave Roberts 👀 pic.twitter.com/eADWVv2KTn
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) March 18, 2024
Ohtani is supposedly going to give himself some time to work things out before speaking with media. It would be prudent for him to speak to his colleagues first so that, prior to the inquiries, everyone in the clubhouse is aware of the situation.
Who is Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter?
Mizuhara was born in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, Japan, and is currently 39 years old. After graduating from University of California, Riverside in 1991, he relocated to the Los Angeles region with his family.
Dave Roberts on Shohei Ohtani planning to speak:
"I think it's good. I think it's the right thing to do. I'm happy he's going to speak to what he knows and give his thoughts on the whole situation. I think it will give us all a little bit more clarity." https://t.co/F53K2BEfCw
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) March 24, 2024
Since the late 2000s, Mizuhara has been employed as a Japanese-to-English and vice-versa translator. Mizuhara played with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan before signing with the Los Angeles Angels and starting his first major league career as Ohtani’s personal interpreter.
Ohtani’s hesitation or incapacity to speak English put Mizuhara in the public eye all the time. Ohtani was frequently accompanied by the interpreter for all of the player’s interviews.
Shohei Ohtani will address reporters Monday for the first time since Ippei Mizuhara was fired. First, he’ll address the situation with his teammates. 🔗⬇️https://t.co/zj4JTuNK7E
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) March 24, 2024
How much does Ohtani’s translator make?
Before being fired, Mizuhara was well-known in the sports world for his strong friendship with Ohtani, who inked a $700 million deal with the Dodgers and chose Mizuhara to be his translator. Mizuhara received yearly compensation ranging from $300,000 to $500,000 for the service.
Shohei Ohtani will address the media on Monday. His manager, Dave Roberts, spoke in front of close to 25 cameras today and said, "It's the right thing to do."
"I think it’ll give us all a little bit more clarity.”https://t.co/vapdQ8Xf3i
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) March 24, 2024
Is Shohei Ohtani a fluent English speaker?
Although Ohtani is fluent in English, his native tongue is where he feels most at ease. Ippei Mizuhara, his interpreter, is usually present when he speaks to a larger American audience.
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