While Shohei Ohtani is making headlines, he is not yet in the same league as Pete Rose in terms of scandal, but his situation is drawing attention.
Ohtani, a standout player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, boasts an impressive career, though his 684 hits are far fewer than Pete Rose’s record of 4,256. Unlike Rose, who was banned from baseball for life in 1989 for betting on games as a player and manager, Ohtani has not been accused of gambling on baseball. However, recent developments have linked Ohtani to a gambling scandal through his interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara.
Mizuhara has been accused of stealing millions from Ohtani to pay off gambling debts. According to a report by The Times, Mizuhara’s debts were owed to a bookmaker, and Ohtani allegedly made wire transfers to help Mizuhara settle these debts. Initially, Mizuhara admitted this in an ESPN interview but later retracted his statements, leading to his dismissal by the Dodgers.
Legal experts like I. Nelson Rose, a professor emeritus at Whittier College specializing in gambling law, suggest that Ohtani could face severe penalties if it is proven that he knowingly paid off illegal gambling debts. This situation falls under Rule 21 of Major League Baseball, which prohibits gambling by players and associated personnel, including paying off gambling debts.
Rule 21, established after the infamous 1919 Black Sox scandal, aims to preserve the integrity of the game. It outlines strict penalties for anyone involved in gambling, ranging from one-year suspensions to lifetime bans, depending on the nature of the offense.
Despite the potential legal trouble, Ohtani’s case differs significantly from Rose’s. Rose has been denied reinstatement to baseball and the Hall of Fame due to his gambling activities. In contrast, Ohtani has not directly bet on games, and his involvement appears to be an effort to help a friend.
Ohtani’s situation comes at a time when sports betting has become more accepted and legalized across the United States, with 38 states allowing some form of it. However, California, where Ohtani plays, still prohibits sports betting. Public sentiment remains against legalization, as seen in the rejection of two sports gambling propositions in 2022.
Mizuhara’s alleged betting involved a bookmaker named Mathew Bowyer, whose residence was raided by federal agents as part of an ongoing investigation. This connection further complicates the matter for Ohtani, who could be implicated if it is proven that he knowingly facilitated illegal gambling activities.
While Ohtani’s actions are not on par with Rose’s, the situation underscores the strict rules and significant consequences associated with gambling in baseball. Ohtani’s legal and professional future now hangs in the balance as investigations continue.
