Ippei Mizuhara — the Japanese interpreter who’s been Shohei Ohtani‘s righthand man for nearly a decade — has been fired by the Dodgers … after Ohtani’s attorneys claim he engaged in a “massive theft” of the two-way star’s fortune.
The lawyers — from the LA-based law firm Berk Brettler — said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times they uncovered the alleged stealing after Ohtani’s name had surfaced in a federal investigation of an alleged illegal bookmaker, Mathew Bowyer.
According to The Times, Mizuhara was accused of taking some of Ohtani’s funds and using them to place bets with Bowyer. Ohtani’s attorneys told the outlet they’re now going to cops to have them investigate their findings further.
“In the course of responding to recent media inquiries,” the lawyers said, “we discovered that Shohei has been the victim of a massive theft and we are turning the matter over to the authorities.”
The Dodgers confirmed Wednesday afternoon they let go of Mizuhara following the claims. No further comment from the team was added.
Mizuhara and Ohtani just joined the Dodgers this season … after the two-time MVP signed with them in free agency on a 10-year, $700 million deal.
Prior to putting on Dodger Blue, the duo worked together throughout Ohtani’s six historic seasons as an L.A. Angel.
Story developing …