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 just a few days after the Dodgers fired Mizuhara, and Ohtani’s camp accused him of “huge theft” with regard to utilizing Ohtani’s funds to repay greater than $4.5 million in playing debt.
Then, earlier this week, Ohtani spoke out concerning the incident in a 12-minute press convention through 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 essential by way of assuring our followers concerning 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 absolutely after they have their very own ongoing investigation so I feel that is one the place we’ll need to proceed on our personal. We by no means have the sort of authority that regulation enforcement individuals have, however we handle to get these investigations performed and discover the details and I’m positive we are going to 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 in the course of 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