MLB responded to Ippei Mizuhara's guilty plea by officially clearing Shohei Ohtani of wrongdoing in gambling probe

When baseball fans first learned of the allegations that Shohei Ohtani’s longtime interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, had stolen upwards of $17 million from the MLB star to fund his sports betting with an illegal bookmaker, there was plenty of shock and even more questions.

Many wanted to know how so much of Ohtani’s money could have been stolen without his knowledge and how Mizuhara was even able to get access to Ohtani’s bank accounts. MLB launched an investigation, and federal prosecutors ultimately charged Mizuhara with bank fraud and tax fraud. On Tuesday, MLB reached a resolution that directly coincided with Mizuhara’s guilty plea in federal court.

According to the league, Ohtani was a victim of fraud. The matter is closed.

After Ippei Mizuhara's guilty plea, MLB has cleared Shohei Ohtani and closed its investigation, citing the thoroughness of the federal investigation and the criminal proceedings not being contested.

“MLB considers Shohei Ohtani a victim of fraud and this matter has been closed.”

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 4, 2024

Mizuhara pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud and could face up to 30 years in prison. The plea agreement also calls for Mizuhara to repay $17 million to Ohtani.

MLB credited the thoroughness of the federal investigation for why it was able to quickly clear Ohtani.

MLB closes the investigation involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara after Mizuhara pled guilty to bank and tax fraud charges today

“Based on the thoroughness of the federal investigation that was made public, the information MLB collected, and the criminal proceeding being… pic.twitter.com/4BZ7F26YQ4

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) June 4, 2024

The Dodgers also released a statement, saying that the club was pleased to see the saga come to an end.

pic.twitter.com/TS398aQWuD

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 4, 2024

With the guilty plea, Mizuhara is slated to be sentenced on Oct. 25.