Shohei Ohtani Cleared of Any Wrongdoing by MLB in Ippei Mizuhara Scandal, Dodgers Release Statement

The Los Angeles Dodgers organization has officially released a statement on the Ippei Mizuhara scandal after Mizuhara pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court. Mizuhara, who was the former interpreter and close friend to Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, stole close to $17 million from Ohtani to fund his gambling addiction. He has now pled guilty to bank and tax fraud charges, and his maximum sentence will be 33 years in prison, per ESPN’s Alden González.

With Mizuhara pleading guilty, MLB has now closed its investigation on Shohei Ohtani. “MLB considers Shohei Ohtani a victim of fraud and this matter has been closed,” via ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

The Dodgers released a statement following the news of Mizuhara pleading guilty and Ohtani getting cleared.

“With today’s plea in the criminal proceedings against Ippei Mizuhara and the conclusion of both federal and MLB investigations, the Dodgers are pleased that Shohei and the team can put this entire matter behind them and move forward in pursuit of a World Series title,” the statement read.

This statement comes about two and a half months after the scandal was initially brought to light and it was revealed Mizuhara was stealing millions from Ohtani for his gambling. The message has echoed what Ohtani, manager Dave Roberts, and teammates have stated all along, in that they want to be able to move on along with Ohtani. With Ohtani getting cleared, the team can finally put this matter aside and completely set their focus on the field.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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