In a shocking twist in the ongoing sports betting scandal involving former Los Angeles Angels pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, his former interpreter, Will Mizuhara, has pleaded guilty to his role in the illegal gambling operation.
Mizuhara, who was Ohtani’s interpreter during his rookie season in 2018, was arrested last year as part of a massive crackdown on illegal sports betting in California. The investigation revealed that Mizuhara had been placing bets on baseball games, including those involving his former team, the Angels.
The scandal rocked the baseball world, as Ohtani was considered one of the sport’s rising stars at the time. The 27-year-old Japanese phenom had already made a name for himself as a two-way player, excelling both as a pitcher and a hitter.
The news of Mizuhara’s guilty plea has sent shockwaves through the baseball community. Many fans and players were unaware of the extent of the illegal gambling operation that Mizuhara was involved in, and the revelation has tarnished Ohtani’s reputation.
In a statement released by his lawyer, Mizuhara expressed remorse for his actions and apologized to Ohtani and the Angels organization for the harm he has caused. He also vowed to cooperate with the authorities in their ongoing investigation.
The scandal has cast a shadow over Ohtani’s career, as questions have been raised about his relationship with Mizuhara and whether he was aware of the illegal gambling activities. Ohtani, who is currently playing for the Angels, has not commented publicly on the matter.
The news has also sparked a debate within the baseball community about the prevalence of illegal sports betting in the sport. Many players and officials have called for stricter regulations and harsher penalties for those involved in such activities.
As the investigation into the sports betting scandal continues, the baseball world is left reeling from the revelations about Mizuhara’s activities. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of getting involved in illegal gambling and the potential consequences for those who do so.
