Despite Shohei Ohtani’s Stoic Expression, Dodgers Skipper “Happy” to Escape Ippei Mizuhara Scandal

Shohei Ohtani can heap a sigh of relief. Though the superstar remained “stoic” throughout the ordeal, the Ippei Mizuhara scandal did affect his personal life. But that seems to be in the past now for the Los Angeles Dodgers star. His former interpreter has surrendered to the authorities a few hours ago. However, the most important part was the affidavit released by the federal authorities.

The federal authorities have charged Mizuhara with felony bank fraud for stealing $16 million from Ohtani to pay off his sports betting debts. The former interpreter was released on a $25,000 bond. However, interestingly the report has declared Ohtani as a victim. That affirms the claims that Ohtani made to the reporters on March 25. 

Ohtani had said that he did not know Mizuhara’s gambling issues. Whatever money was being wired from his account happened without his knowledge or involvement. So with the affidavit seemingly clearing Ohtani of any potential involvement, there’s a huge sigh of relief being heard around the Dodgers clubhouse.

“He’s handled it with flying colors,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told the press (via The Athletic). The manager seemed to be in great spirits throughout the pre-game conference. However, when asked about whether a weight had been lifted off Ohtani’s shoulder, Roberts noted that Sho-tine’s stoic demeanor made it difficult to understand what was going inside his head.

“I think he has a very good – I don’t want to say poker face – but he’s very stoic. You just don’t know his emotions. He just comes every day the same. You never know if things are good or things are bad, stuff on his mind,” Roberts said.  The skipper was also glad that the team could finally move on from this situation.

Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers ready to move on as history awaits

While Roberts revealed that he hadn’t read through the entire 37-page federal report, he was relieved. “Ultimate, a decision was made,” Roberts said. “(Ohtani) was exonerated, which we all believe. And like I said, I’m just happy that it’s behind us.” The fact that Ohtani has just hit his career’s 175th homer proves that the Dodgers have put this scandal in the rearview. 

Though Ohtani’s been always thankful for his team’s support, the superstar has always downplayed the impact of this scandal on his professional life. If anything, it may have opened him up even more towards his teammates. Roberts once again reiterated that fact by saying how Mizuhara’s absence “freed him (Ohtani) up.” 

With the Dodgers free from both the Ippei Mizuhara story and the home run ball controversy, the team could be looking at a clean slate. If a distracted team is this dangerous one wonders how tough a fully focused Dodgers will be. That’s certainly a scary thought.