Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani will address the media live Monday for the first time since the gambling and theft allegations involving his former interpreter surfaced last week.
Ohtani is expected to read a statement but not take questions. You can watch the media availability live at 5:45 p.m. ET/ 2:45 p.m. PT here on sportsnet.ca.
Ippei Mizuhara, the interpreter, was fired by the Dodgers last week after reports of his alleged ties to an illegal bookmaker and claims from attorneys that Ohtani had been the victim of a “massive theft.”
While Mizuhara and Ohtani’s representatives initially claimed the two-way player was aware of his interpreter’s gambling debts and had transferred him money, the story later changed to one of no knowledge or involvement on Ohtani’s part.
It has been reported that at least $4.5 million was withdrawn via wire transfer from Ohtani’s bank accounts.
Major League Baseball and the United States’ Internal Revenue Service have opened investigations into the matter.
According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, it was Ohtani’s decision to address the allegations publicly.
