Doubts Creep in Over Shohei Ohtani’s Involvement After Receiving Sudden Relief in $17 Million Gambling Scandal

High-stakes games of legal chess often see some surprising moves off the field. Recently, Shohei Ohtani‘s betting saga took such an unexpected turn. This one involved his former interpreter and the biggest illegal gambling scandal. Now, the sudden exit of the lead prosecutor throws a curveball into the entire proceeding. This turn of events has fans and onlookers pondering the next step in the investigation. It certainly changes the innings for several figures connected to the case.

The government’s ace prosecutor in the Ohtani-Mizuhara betting scandal, Jeff Mitchell, has shockingly resigned. He officially stepped down from his position on May 16. He led the entire investigation into Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. But you know, what’s more interesting? He was also reportedly investigating the involvement of the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ two-way star in the betting scandal, given his close ties with Mizuhara.

A source close to the New York Post remarked, “It’s never good for the prosecution when the lead prosecutor leaves the government.” Well, if that’s the case, then this abrupt resignation does raise questions about the investigation’s remaining intensity.

When Mizuhara pleaded guilty to his involvement in the illegal betting, he took full responsibility for his actions, including stealing $17 million from Ohtani. Not only did he apologize to Ohtani, but he also stated that the MLB star had no involvement whatsoever. As a result, Mizuhara faced a harsh reality for his actions as he was sentenced by US District Judge John Holcomb to 57 months in prison. However, it was later found out that the surrender date for Mizuhara was notably delayed, sparking speculation about his cooperation with federal authorities.

Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani, leaves federal court in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Blake

The Post’s source also suggested that Ohtani might sleep a little easier now that the lead prosecutor has taken himself off the case. However, Mitchell wasn’t the only one to investigate Ohtani’s involvement. In fact, Major League Baseball reportedly conducted a thorough investigation on Ohtani and concluded in June 2024 that he was a victim of fraud, too. Additionally, Federal authorities also affirmed Ohtani’s status as a victim after failing to find any evidence to tie Ohtani to the scandal.

The ripples of the investigation reached other players as well. David Fletcher, who is a close friend of Ohtani and also a former Angels teammate, reportedly used Mizuhara’s illegal bookie. Though he placed bets on several sports, baseball was not one of them. MLB is still investigating Fletcher’s alleged betting activities with the illegal bookmaker, Matthew Bowyer.

Besides them, a former Dodger, Yasiel Puig, is also found involved, and this situation is even more difficult. “Puig is presently fighting an obstruction of justice charge related to the sports betting investigation,” noted the Post. He’s also facing a charge for making false statements, as he agreed to plead guilty to making false statements. However, he later withdrew this plea, creating a more complex legal battle for the outfielder. His professional career hangs in the balance, depending on how this turns out.

Beyond the batting average: Shohei Ohtani’s unintended connection

Baseball history, unfortunately, isn’t short on gambling sagas. The notorious 1919 Black Sox Scandal is still in memory. Eight Chicago White Sox players were given lifetime bans. They conspired to lose the 1919 World Series. Decades later, Pete Rose, baseball’s all-time hits leader, faced a lifetime ban in 1989. More recently, in June 2024, Tucupita Marcano was suspended for life for betting on baseball games.

Those cases are evidence enough that MLB is serious about its game integrity. Even team presidents have not been immune, as the Phillies’ William D. Cox was in 1943. He was banned for gambling on his team.  But Ohtani’s case is different. Neither he pleaded guilty nor was there evidence to prove otherwise.

On a brighter note, despite this whole off-field drama, Ohtani has shone brightest for the Dodgers in 2025. The Japanese sensation has already led the league with an impressive 17 home runs. He boasts a .312 batting average and 31 RBIs. His outstanding 1.078 OPS is a career best, along with 10 stolen bases. Ohtani did all of this while playing only as a designated hitter. The two-way superstar hasn’t pitched since August 2023 due to surgeries, and the good news is: he has begun bullpen sessions for that.

What do you think the whole gambling scandal means for baseball’s fight against illegal gambling?

The post Doubts Creep in Over Shohei Ohtani’s Involvement After Receiving Sudden Relief in $17 Million Gambling Scandal appeared first on EssentiallySports.