Despite his well-mannered reputation, Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani fired his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, for allegedly stealing Ohtani’s money to pay off gambling debts.

Mizuhara had been working with Ohtani for many years and was a long-time friend of the batter.

A statement had been issued in an interview with ESPN that Ohtani had willingly given the money to Mizuhara to cover losses from illegal sports betting. 

However, this statement was later retracted after Ohtani’s lawyer stated that he had no knowledge of Mizuhara’s gambling.

Ohtani was seen playing a few days afterward, commenting that he had never taken part in any gambling nor did he ever willingly give money to Mizuhara.