Ohtani’s ex-teammates shocked about gambling allegations

TEMPE, Ariz. – The Los Angeles Angels clubhouse was subdued Friday morning as players whispered to one another, with many questions dancing in their heads.

It didn't matter whether you talked to Mike Trout, the face of the franchise, or Patrick Sandoval, who knew his former teammate better than anyone, they were absolutely stunned by the news about their former MVP teammate and beloved interpreter.

In interviews with USA TODAY Sports, the Angels say they had no idea that Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani or his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara had the slightest interest in the world of sports outside baseball, let alone that Mizuhara allegedly racked up $4.5 million in gambling debts with an illegal bookmaker.

One player said Ohtani, who is baseball's highest-paid player, was so quiet they didn't even know he had a girlfriend, let alone was getting married.

“I'm just shocked, and I'm as curious as anyone to see what comes out,” Angels outfielder Mickey Moniak said. “I have zero idea what's going to transpire, or what has transpired over how many years. But great friends, great people. Ippei was as part of the team as anyone else.”

While Ohtani became an international star with the Angels, the truth is that Mizuhara was just as popular in the clubhouse, with players like Trout calling him “one of the guys.” Never did anyone hear either of the two talking about gambling, or even wagering in clubhouse pools.

Ohtani was a recluse, immediately retreating to his home after games, and leaving his hotel room only to go to games on the road.

Mizuhara, who was born in Japan but moved to Southern California when he was 7, spoke fluently in each language, and was much more outgoing in the clubhouse. Still, except for poker playing, there was nothing to suggest Mizuhara was gambling on even playing fantasy football.

Mathew Bowyer, the alleged bookmaker Mizuhara dealt with, is under federal investigation for an illegal bookmaking operation. Meanwhile, Ohtani's attorneys are accusing Mizuhara of stealing millions from Ohtani's bank account to pay Bowyer for his gambling debts.

Major League Baseball announced Friday that it had officially began its investigation into Ohtani.

Ohtani's attorney's also expect Ohtani to interview with the federal government to determine what he knows about Mizuhara's gambling, and whether money was stolen from his account or if he helped pay off Mizuhara's debts.

MLB, which has gone into business with gambling sites in recent years, and even requires teams to submit their starting lineups to MGM before disseminating them to the public, doesn't prohibit players from gambling on other sports. They inform their players they can place bets with Draftkings or Fanduel. The last time a player was disciplined for gambling was Miami Marlins pitcher Jarred Cosart in 2015, determining that he placed illegal sports bets. He received a fine and no suspension, when the investigation revealed he did not bet on baseball.

If a player is found betting on baseball games in which he's not involved, it's an automatic year-long ban. If he bets on a game in which he's involved, it's a lifetime ban, which all-time hits leader Pete Rose received in 1989.

“We just have to see what happens, I guess,” Moniak said. “I mean, it's legal in 38 states. So as long as he's not betting on baseball ... I just hope it all works out.''

It was a popular refrain for the Angels who were off Thursday and reconvened for the first time Friday since the news broke. They hate seeing Ohtani's image suddenly sullied.

The Angels kept saying over and over, “Come on, there's got to more to the story.”

Still, it's hard for the Angels or anyone else who knows Ohtani to believe that this was a sheer matter of ignorance.