Ohtani will give his first media interview since the interpreter faced illegal gambling and theft charges

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Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to speak to the media on Monday for the first time since allegations emerged of illegal gambling and theft involving the Los Angeles Dodgers star and his translator during the team’s trip to South Korea.

Interpreter Ippei Mizuhara was fired by the Dodgers last week when they opened the season with a two-game set against the San Diego Padres in Seoul.

Manager Dave Roberts supported Ohtani in publicly addressing the matter. He said it was the two-way superstar’s decision.

“It’s the right thing to do,” Roberts said. “I’m glad he’s speaking out about what he knows and giving his thoughts on the whole situation. I think it will make it clearer for all of us.”

Suwon was fired from the team after the Los Angeles Times and ESPN reported that Suwon was suspected of having ties to illegal bookmakers, and Ohtani’s attorney claimed that the Japanese star was the victim of “massive theft.”

FILE - Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani takes off his helmet during a game against the San Diego Padres at the Gocheok Skydome in Seoul, South Korea, March 20, 2024. — FILE – Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani takes off his helmet during a game against the San Diego Padres at the Gocheok Skydome in Seoul, South Korea, March 20, 2024.

Major League Baseball has launched an investigation into the matter. The Internal Revenue Service has confirmed that Mizuwon and Matthew Bowyer, alleged illegal bookmakers in Orange County, California, are under criminal investigation.

Ohtani made only a brief appearance in the Dodgers clubhouse before Sunday’s Highway Series opener against his former team, the Los Angeles Angels. The two teams will play three exhibition games before the Dodgers host St. Louis on Thursday.

Ohtani was scheduled to hit second as the designated hitter at Dodger Stadium. He is also expected to play Monday and Tuesday in Anaheim, where he was a two-time AL MVP before leaving the Angels as a free agent and signing a record $700 million deal with the Dodgers in December. 10 year contract.

Roberts said Ohtani did not address his teammates as a group.

“I think he had a one-time conversation with the players,” Roberts said.

The manager said he asked Ohtani about his situation.

“He’s the same as always,” Roberts said.

Ohtani has a double locker in the Dodgers clubhouse between the showers and Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is scheduled to make his second start of the season on Saturday against St. Louis.

Extra security was deployed in the packed clubhouse on Sunday. In addition to the players and a swarm of media, eight temporary lockers were set up on one end for minor leaguers brought in from Arizona to play in the Speedway Series.

FILE - Ippei Mizuhara stands next to Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani and translates during an interview at Dodger Stadium on February 3, 2024. — FILE – Ippei Mizuhara stands next to Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani and translates during an interview at Dodger Stadium on February 3, 2024.

Overhead, the men’s NCAA tournament, baseball and horse racing events are televised, with former Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Paul Lo Duca providing televised tips on the day’s games.

Major League Baseball (MLB) gambling policies are posted in each clubhouse. Whether legal or not, betting on baseball is punishable by a one-year ban from the sport. Penalties for illegal betting on other sports are at the discretion of the Commissioner. Although 38 states and the District of Columbia allow some form of sports gambling, in California, sports gambling is illegal.

“The mood in the room was baseball-ready because I didn’t hear a lot of talk and speculation,” Roberts said. “That’s why I think tomorrow will be a good thing for everyone.”