Former Big Leaguer Says MLB 'Protected' Shohei Ohtani in Betting Scandal
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Four months after Ippei Mizuhara was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for stealing from Shohei Ohtani to pay for gambling losses, the saga comes to life once again.
Former three-time All-Star and 2005 American League Manager of the Year Ozzie Guillen is speaking out about the situation, and he believes Ohtani was the one secretly gambling.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers at bat against the New York Mets in the first inning at Dodger Stadium on June 05, 2025 in Los Angeles,...
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers at bat against the New York Mets in the first inning at Dodger Stadium on June 05, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. More"Everyone knows that Shohei Ohtani took a chance (by gambling) and they (Major League Baseball) protected him," Guillen told Fernando Ballesteros of Pure Baseball in Puerto Rico.
Mizuhara was sentenced to 57 months in prison for stealing from Ohtani back in February just before the season started. The Dodgers have stood by Ohtani's side as prosecutors have stated multiple times Ohtani was the victim in this situation.
However, many baseball fans on social media, particularly fans of rival teams, believe what Guillen is saying to be true. There is still some belief in the baseball world that Mizuhara took one for the team to prevent Ohtani from being banned.
Ohtani has since moved on from the situation as he continues to produce a strong season at the plate for the Dodgers with a slash line of .295/.389/.648. He's totaled 23 home runs and 39 RBI as the designated hitter this season.
Guillen has always been known by baseball fans for speaking his mind, so this statement shouldn't come as a surprise. As of now, though, there's zero evidence to support his claim. It could be out of spite, jealousy or a combination of both.
More MLB: Dodgers' Max Muncy Remains Possible DFA Candidate as Trade Deadline Looms
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