In his interview with ESPN, Mr. Mizuhara purportedly stated that he had approached the baseball player for assistance in repaying his gambling bills.
Mr. Mizuhara reportedly stated, “Obviously, [Ohtani] wasn’t happy about it and said he would help me out to make sure I never do this again.”
“I want everyone to be aware that Shohei did not participate in any betting. I want everyone to know that I was unaware that this was against the law. My lesson was hard-learned. I’m never going to gamble on sports again.”
Ohtani’s representative originally told ESPN that the former Los Angeles Angels player had sent money to pay off his interpreter’s debt from gambling, but he has subsequently denied this.
It has been claimed that Mr. Mizuhara has altered his account, stating that Ohtani was unaware of the gaming obligations and did not send the money.