The Shohei Ohtani Gambling Story Has Taken A Wild Turn

Last November, an illegal bookmaker sat outside Shohei Ohtani’s home in Newport Beach. He watched the 29-year-old international superstar walk his dog and threatened to approach him if his translator, Ippei Mizuhara, didn’t settle his multi-million-dollar gambling debt.

“Hey Ippie, it’s 2 o’clock on Friday,” the text message read. “I don’t know why you’re not returning my calls. I’m here in Newport Beach, and I see [Ohtani] walking his dog. I’m just gonna go up and talk to him and ask how I can get in touch with you since you’re not responding? Please call me back immediately.”