Major League Baseball

Shohei Ohtani to speak to media for 1st time since theft allegations against interpreter

Updated Mar. 25, 2024 5:02 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

Shohei Ohtani plans to speak to the media Monday for the first time since the illegal gambling and theft allegations involving the Los Angeles Dodgers star and his interpreter emerged during the team's trip to South Korea.

The interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired by the Dodgers last week when the team opened the season with two games against the San Diego Padres in Seoul.

Manager Dave Roberts endorsed Ohtani addressing the matter publicly.

"It's the right thing to do," he said. "I'm happy he's going to speak and speak to what he knows and give his thoughts on the whole situation. I think it will give us all a little bit more clarity."

Ohtani made only a brief appearance in the Dodgers clubhouse before Sunday's Freeway Series opener against his former team, the Los Angeles Angels. The teams are playing three exhibition games before the Dodgers host St. Louis in their home opener on Thursday.

Ohtani was set to bat second as the designated hitter at Dodger Stadium.

READ MORE:

• Shohei Ohtani's interpreter fired by Dodgers after allegations of illegal gambling, theft
• Who is Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani's interpreter?
• Betting scandal with Shohei Ohtani's interpreter is far from first in pro sports
• MLB investigating gambling, theft allegations involving Shohei Ohtani, interpreter

Reporting by The Associated Press.

share

Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Major League Baseball

Shohei Ohtani

Los Angeles Dodgers