Shohei Ohtani

FILE - A spectator places a bet before the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 7, 2022, in Louisville, Ky. The firing of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani's interpreter and close friend after allegations of illegal gambling and theft from the Japanese baseball player is shining renewed attention on compulsive gambling. The National Council on Problem Gambling describes it as gambling that is damaging to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and career. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

What is gambling addiction and how widespread is it in the US?

The firing of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter and close friend after allegations of illegal gambling and theft from the Japanese baseball player is shining renewed attention on compulsive gambling.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, right, talks with interpreter Will Ireton during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Seoul, South Korea. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Betting scandal with Ohtani’s interpreter is far from the first in professional sports

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani's interpreter Ippei Mizuhara stands in the dugout during an opening day baseball game against the San Diego Padres at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Ohtani’s interpreter and close friend has been fired by the Dodgers following allegations of illegal gambling and theft from the Japanese baseball star. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Who is Ippei Mizuhara? Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter was fired over gambling allegations

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani stands in the dugout during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Seoul, South Korea. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

In Japan, Ohtani’s ‘perfect person’ image could take a hit with firing of interpreter over gambling

Los Angeles Dodgers' designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, right, chats with his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara during an exhibition baseball game between Team Korea and the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 18, 2024. Ohtani’s interpreter and close friend has been fired by the Dodgers following allegations of illegal gambling and theft from the Japanese baseball star. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

The IRS is investigating Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter and an alleged bookmaker. Here’s what we know

Reaction in Japan as the IRS investigates Ohtani’s interpreter and an alleged bookmaker

People in Japan react to the news about U.S. baseball star Shohei Ohtani’s Japanese interpreter Ippei Mizuhari being fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers after allegations he stole money from Ohtani. The IRS confirmed on Thursday that Mizuhara and his alleged bookmaker are under criminal investigation. Mizuhara was fired by the Dodgers following reports from the Los Angeles Times and ESPN about his alleged ties to an illegal bookmaker and debts well over $1 million. (AP Video: Hiromi Tanoue)

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FILE -Ippei Mizuhara stands next to Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani and translates during an interview at Dodger Stadium on Feb. 3, 2024. Mizuhara has been fired by the Dodgers following allegations of illegal gambling and theft. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)

Dodgers fire Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter after allegations of ‘massive theft’ from Japanese star

Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter and close friend has been fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers following allegations of illegal gambling and theft from the Japanese baseball star.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani takes his helmet off after hitting an RBI single during the eighth inning of an opening day baseball game against the San Diego Padres at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Seoul, South Korea. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Ohtani and Dodgers rally to beat Padres 5-2 in season opener, first MLB game in South Korea

Shohei Ohtani’s RBI single capped a four-run eighth-inning rally in his Dodgers debut, and Los Angeles beat the San Diego Padres 5-2 in the season opener.

The Gocheok Sky Dome is seen ahead of a game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres for the MLB World Tour Seoul Series in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, March 20, 2024. South Korean police said they’ve found no explosives at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome after searching the site Wednesday following a reported bomb threat against Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

No explosives found at Seoul stadium in police search following bomb threat against Ohtani

South Korean police say they’ve found no explosives at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome after searching the site following a reported bomb threat against Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani.

FILE - Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred speaks during a baseball spring training media day Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. “Clearly having a very high payroll is correlated with winning more games in the regular season,” Manfred said Tuesday, March 19, 2024. “The saving grace for us has been that our playoffs are unpredictable enough that the 110-win team doesn’t automatically march through the playoffs. That's why I reacted probably too negatively to the criticism that the playoffs were unpredictable and the best teams weren't coming through. The fact of the matter is that’s a good thing for us over the long haul.”(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

MLB 2024: Splashy Ohtani, Yamamoto signings boost Dodgers as teams try to dethrone Rangers

The Los Angeles Dodgers showcased splashy signings Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but other teams focused on the fact that pricey payrolls don’t translate into titles very often.

San Diego Padres' Ha-Seong Kim attends a baseball workout at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, March 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Dodgers-Padres season opener is a triumphant homecoming for Korean star Kim

There’s so much focus on Shohei Ohtani as his Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres prepare to launch the Major League Baseball season in the first regular season games in South Korea.

FILE - Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, of Japan, walks through the dugout during the team's spring training baseball game against the Seattle Mariner, March 13, 2024, in Phoenix. Beginning with its ninth international opener, Major League Baseball is traveling all over the world in 2024. Ohtani and the Dodgers play Manny Machado and the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

NL West Preview: Ohtani-led Dodgers team to beat in division with reigning league champion D-backs

Shohei Ohtani’s arrival in Los Angeles is bringing all kinds of eyes to the storied Dodgers franchise and perennial NL West power, which now has landed its latest megastar.

Los Angeles Dodgers' designated hitter Shohei Ohtani , right, and pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, left, chat prior to the exhibition game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Kiwoom Heroes at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, March 17, 2024. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres will meet in a two-game series on March 20th-21st in Seoul for the MLB World Tour Seoul Series. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-Joon)

Ohtani and Yamamoto are unbelievable in any language. Japanese has several words for them

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ mega-stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto might prompt some to learn a few words of Japanese.

A Los Angeles Dodgers jacket is on display as a customer looks at baseball caps of the Dodgers at SELECTION, a sporting goods store in Shinjuku district of Tokyo, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

$510 Dodgers jerseys and $150 caps. Behold the price of being an Ohtani fan in Japan

The Dodgers are paying $700 million for Shohei Ohtani. That means his loyal fans in Japan will be paying big time for his merchandise.

Los Angeles Dodgers' designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, right, chats with his interpreter during the first innings of an exhibition game between Team Korea and the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-Joon)

Ohtani to begin throwing program soon. Roberts hints Dodgers star might play in the field

Shohei Ohtani may be more than just a designated hitter this season, after all. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says that Ohtani — ruled out this season as a pitcher after his second surgery on his right elbow — will soon start a throwing program that might allow him to play in the field th

Los Angeles Dodgers' designated hitter Shohei Ohtani prepares to bat in the first inning of the exhibition game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Kiwoom Heroes at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, March 17, 2024. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres will meet in a two-game series on March 20th-21st in Seoul for the MLB World Tour Seoul Series. (AP Photo/)

Ohtani may be South Korea’s most-beloved Japanese athlete. His charm is winning over historic rivals

Shohei Ohtani may be the most-beloved Japanese athlete in South Korea, a historic rival of his home country.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani reacts during a news conference ahead of a baseball workout at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, March 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

New Dodger Ohtani says Seoul MLB games will be ‘great memories’ for him and wife

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani says the upcoming Major League Baseball season opener with the San Diego Padres in Seoul will provide “great memories” for him and his wife.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani and his wife Mamiko Tanaka walk with security during the baseball team's arrival at Incheon International Airport, Friday, March 15, 2024, in Incheon, South Korea, ahead of the team's baseball series against the San Diego Padres. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Baseball superstar Ohtani and his wife arrive in South Korea for Dodgers-Padres MLB opener

Shohei Ohtani and his wife have arrived in South Korea with his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates ahead of their season-opening Major League Baseball games against the San Diego Padres next week.

FILE - Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, of Japan, walks through the dugout during the team's spring training baseball game against the Seattle Mariner, March 13, 2024, in Phoenix. Beginning with its ninth international opener, Major League Baseball is traveling all over the world in 2024. Ohtani and the Dodgers play Manny Machado and the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

Shohei Ohtani shares a photo of his new wife on social media. She’s a former pro basketball player

Shohei Ohtani has revealed the identity of his new wife with a photo of the couple on social media. She is Mamiko Tanaka, a former professional basketball player.

FILE - Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jonny Venters sits on the bench during a baseball game against the Miami Marlins in Atlanta, Monday, July 21, 2014. Pitchers can look to Jonny Venters as they return from a second operation to repair a torn elbow ligament: He made it back to the big leagues after what he calls 3 1/2 Tommy John procedures. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)

Tommy John surgery can work once, twice — even 3 1/2 times — for major league pitchers

Shohei Ohtani, Jacob deGrom and Walker Buehler found out Tommy John surgery is no longer a rarity but now routine.

FILE - Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani participates in spring training baseball workouts at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

To Ohtani’s surgeon, a 103 mph fastball was a red flag, but his $700M deal shows trust in TJ surgery

Shohei Ohtani had his right elbow repaired by Dr. Neal ElAttrache for the second time in September. With the 50th anniversary of the first Tommy John surgery coming up this year, Ohtani and ElAttrache are at the center of what might be the procedure’s most compelling case study.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, center, with interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, left, talks with coach Dino Ebel, right, during spring training baseball workouts at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix, Sunday, March 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Betts, Ohtani and Freeman make for an impressive trio at the top of the Dodgers’ batting order

With Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, the Los Angeles Dodgers have quite the trio at the top of their batting order.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani addresses the media about his surprise marriage announcement, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, during spring training baseball workouts at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

Shohei Ohtani stuns Dodgers -- and many around the world -- with marriage announcement

Shohei Ohtani stunned the Los Angeles Dodgers — and many around the world — with his marriage announcement, so manager Dave Roberts said any gift the team gives the two-time MVP would be like most of the money in his contract: deferred.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani walks in the dugout during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Phoenix, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Shohei Ohtani won’t pitch this season after major elbow surgery, but he can still hit. Here’s why

Shohei Ohtani is unique in baseball history, a two-way Japanese superstar who can excel as a hitter and a pitcher, sometimes in the same game.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani runs the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Phoenix, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. Jose Ramos also scored. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Shohei Ohtani shows he’s “built differently,” slugs 2-run HR in first exhibition game with Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani needed just three exhibition at-bats to show what a $700 million man can do for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) participates in spring training baseball workouts at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Shohei Ohtani won’t play in Dodgers’ spring training opener, stays away from live batting practice

Shohei Ohtani did not participate in live batting practice Sunday, and his Los Angeles Dodgers spring training debut is on hold.

Angels start workouts without Shohei Ohtani and with new manager Ron Washington

The Los Angels Angels started spring training without Shohei Ohtani for the first time since 2017 and with a new manager in Ron Washington.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, with interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, right, speaks to media at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, on the first day of spring training baseball workouts for the Dodgers. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Shohei Ohtani tries to blend in with Dodgers, even if that might prove impossible

Shohei Ohtani gave his first interview at Camelback Ranch as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers on a chilly Friday morning, surrounded by more than 50 reporters who asked questions of baseball’s first and only $700 million man.

Shohei Ohtani gets pair of bobblehead nights in first season with Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are featuring four promotional giveaways around Shohei Ohtani this season, including a pair of bobblehead nights.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani answers questions during a baseball news conference at Dodger Stadium Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Shohei Ohtani visits US Embassy in Japan and his dog gets mock visa

Shohei Ohtani has visited the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel presented the new Los Angeles Dodgers superstar with a supersized visa for his dog.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani answers questions during a baseball news conference at Dodger Stadium Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Shohei Ohtani’s Dodgers deal prompts California controller to ask Congress to cap deferred payments

California Controller Malia M. Cohen wants Congress to change the tax code to cap deferred payments, a change that could ensure the state is owed more money from Shohei Ohtani.

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins responds to questions during a news conference at the Major League Baseball winter meetings Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins expresses regret Shohei Ohtani turned down Toronto

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins expressed regret Shoehei Ohtani turned down Toronto after meeting with the team and chose to sign a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto smiles during his introduction as a new member of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Yoshinobu Yamamoto joins the Los Angeles Dodgers, vows to compete for championships alongside Ohtani

The Los Angeles Dodgers have finalized their 12-year deal with Yoshinobu Yamamoto. They’ve teamed the prized free-agent right-hander with Shohei Ohtani in their prolific winter spending spree.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani answers questions during a baseball news conference at Dodger Stadium Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Shohei Ohtani gives a Porsche to Joe Kelly’s wife for his No. 17 with the Dodgers

After the wife of reliever Joe Kelly offered up her husband’s uniform number to help lure Shohei Ohtani to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the two-way star responded by giving her a Porsche.

FILE - Japan's Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivers a pitch during the fifth inning of a World Baseball Classic game against Mexico on March 20, 2023, in Miami. Yamamoto, the most prized pitcher on the free-agent market, has agreed to a $325 million, 12-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to multiple reports. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

Prized pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto agrees with Dodgers on $325 million deal, according to reports

Prized free-agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a $325 million, 12-year contract, according to multiple reports.

FILE - Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani looks on from the dugout ahead of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto, Sunday, July 30, 2023. Shohei Ohtani has been named The Associated Press' Male Athlete of the Year for the second time in three years. (Cole Burston/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

Shohei Ohtani is the AP Male Athlete of the Year for the 2nd time in 3 years

Shohei Ohtani has been named The Associated Press’ Male Athlete of the Year for the second time in three years.