Main League Baseball introduced final week that it has formally launched an investigation into the state of affairs involving Dodgers’ star Shohei Ohtani and his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.
This got here a number of days after the Dodgers fired Mizuhara, and Ohtani’s camp accused him of “large theft” with reference to utilizing Ohtani’s funds to repay greater than $4.5 million in playing debt.
Then, earlier this week, Ohtani spoke out in regards to the incident in a 12-minute press convention by which he didn’t take any questions, however answered a variety of the questions that arose all through the final week.
And on Thursday’s Opening Day throughout the league, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred went on MLB Community’s Excessive Warmth, and spoke about myriad matters, together with Ohtani.
“Given the best way the story unfolded, it’s necessary by way of assuring our followers in regards to the integrity of the sport that we confirm the issues that Mr. Ohtani has stated, and it’s actually that easy,” Manfred stated to Chris Russo. “It’s actually tough for the federal authorities to cooperate with us totally once they have their very own ongoing investigation so I believe that is one the place we’ll need to proceed on our personal. We by no means have the form of authority that legislation enforcement folks have, however we handle to get these investigations achieved and discover the info and I’m positive we’ll on this one.”
Russo requested Manfred how lengthy the investigation may take, and Manfred had a easy reply:
“I hope brief, however I simply don’t know.”
Ohtani isn’t anticipated to face any self-discipline throughout the ongoing investigation.
He made his Dodger Stadium debut as a member of the Dodgers on Thursday, and went 2-for-3 with a double, a stroll and a run scored in Los Angeles’ 7-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.
Picture Credit score: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports activities
