Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired, shocking even in South Korea - during the first MLB opening game in South Korea

The news that Ippei Mizuhara, who served as an interpreter for Major League Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani, was fired by the baseball team came as a shock to Korean baseball fans. Korean media reported on ``Star Interpreter's Solution''
``The Hiring Incident'' (Sports Chosun) and ``The betrayal of a shadow interpreter, stealing millions of dollars of Otani's money and using it as gambling money'' (Chosun Ilbo). Coincidentally, on the 21st, when the news broke out, Gocheok in Seoul, South Korea (
Kocheok) It was the day the second game of the U.S. Major League Opening Series between the Dodgers, to whom Ohtani plays, and the Padres was held at the Sky Dome. For the first time in history, MLB (Major League Baseball) game will be held in South Korea
Although there was great excitement in Japan, OSEN said, ``It was ruined by a scandal that even Otani, MLB's greatest star, could not have imagined, leaving fans in shock.''
"I've decided to go to school," he said. According to US sports network ESPN, Mizuhara was involved in illegal sports betting and diverted millions of dollars from Ohtani's funds to pay off debts from losses.
There is a suspicion that he used it. While the team confirmed the fact of the dismissal, it did not reveal the reason for the dismissal, saying, ``We have no further comment at this time.''
According to the Los Angeles Times, the allegations stem from an investigation by law enforcement authorities into a bookmaker in Western California.
emerged in the process. ESPN reports that at least $4.5 million was transferred from Ohtani's bank account to the betting shop. In many states in the US, the game is won or lost.
Sports betting is allowed, but it is not legal in California. Mr. Mizuhara is 39 years old from Hokkaido. Moved to Los Angeles as a child and graduated from university in the United States
did. Since 2012, he has served as an interpreter for foreign players for the professional baseball team Nippon-Ham. Otani, who was a member of Nippon-Ham, joined the Major League Angels in 2018, and Otani became an exclusive player.
Became an interpreter. This off-season, along with Ohtani's transfer to the Dodgers, Mizuhara also moved to the team. Up until now, he has supported Otani in both his professional and private life, not only as an interpreter but also as his driver and training partner.
Ta. He also served as an interpreter when he visited Seoul for the opening series against the Padres. He also stood next to Otani and acted as an interpreter during the press conference held at the Dodgers clubhouse after the opening game on the 20th.
Ta. Along with Otani, Mizuhara is also popular in South Korea, and when he arrived at Incheon Airport in South Korea for the opening game on the 15th of this month, the fans cheered, "Let's go Otani!"
Mr. Mizuhara also received a shout, ``Ippei, ippei!'' On the 21st, news of Mr. Mizuhara's suspicion of illegal gambling broke, and it sent shockwaves through South Korea, where the opening match was being held. Chosun Ilbo said,
Taira has served as Otani's interpreter ever since he entered the major leagues, spending most of the time with him and being known as the 'shadow interpreter' and being close to Otani,'' Mizuhara said to Otani. closest part
He once again explained what he has been working as a nurse. JoongAng Ilbo also said, ``Ippei was with Otani throughout his career as a player in the major leagues.He drove him to the baseball stadium and took care of him when he got sick.''
They had a close relationship." The 21st, when the news was reported, was the second game of the opening series, and as soon as the news broke, many reporters flocked to the hotel in Seoul where the team was staying from the morning.
Ta. It was the first time that the opening game of the Major League Baseball was held in South Korea, and the country was in a festive mood. In response to the shocking news, Korea Daily said, ``For the first time in history, the opening game of MLB in Korea will be held.''
I ruined it. "The historic festival has been marred by a shocking scandal involving Marcos Benjamin Lee," he said in anger. The second match was held on the 21st, on the day of the violent earthquake, but Otani also played on that day.
I stood on the ground. He started as the No. 2 designated hitter and had 1 hit and 1 RBI in 5 at bats. The Dodgers lost 11-15. After the match, Otani did not mention Mizuhara, saying, ``Thank you for your hard work.''
"Thank you," he said four times before heading home.