Former Los Angeles Angels pitcher, Taylor Cole, came to the defense of his former teammate Shohei Ohtani after allegations of being involved in a gambling scandal surfaced earlier this week. Cole, who played with Ohtani during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, immediately knew that Ohtani was innocent and spoke out in support of the Japanese superstar.
In a recent interview, Cole stated, “I have known Shohei for years, both as a teammate and as a friend, and I can say with full confidence that he is not capable of being involved in any gambling scandal. He is a dedicated and hardworking player who would never jeopardize his career or tarnish his reputation in such a way.”
The allegations against Ohtani first came to light when a tabloid magazine published a story claiming that he had placed bets on baseball games, a violation of Major League Baseball’s strict anti-gambling rules. The rumors quickly spread throughout the baseball community, prompting Ohtani to issue a statement denying any involvement in the scandal.
Despite Ohtani’s denial, the rumors continued to linger, casting a dark cloud over his otherwise impeccable career. It wasn’t until Taylor Cole stepped forward to vouch for his integrity that the tide began to turn in Ohtani’s favor.
“Shohei is an incredible talent and an even better person,” Cole added. “I have seen firsthand the dedication and passion he puts into his craft, and I can say without a doubt that he would never do anything to bring shame to himself or his team.”
Since Cole’s statement, the baseball world has rallied behind Ohtani, with many players and fans expressing their support for the embattled star. Major League Baseball has also launched an investigation into the matter, with Commissioner Rob Manfred stating that they will get to the bottom of the allegations and take appropriate action if necessary.
In the meantime, Ohtani continues to focus on his preparations for the upcoming season, determined to put the scandal behind him and prove once again why he is one of the most exciting players in the game. And with Taylor Cole by his side, there is no doubt that Ohtani will emerge from this ordeal stronger than ever.