“I know nothing… but he’s got an addiction to gambling..” 😂. Crazy how the ex teammates who were around Ohtani for the course of 8 years says there’s no way he’s gambling, but all these “journalists” all of the sudden are diagnosing him with a gambling disorder.

Ohtani deferred to get less money and donates millions to charity, why would he do that if he was losing money on gambling.

You got the timeline and facts wrong. When the interpreter and Ohtani were in the dougout, he had not spoken to the team yet. He addressed the team AFTER the game. Get your story straight or you lose your credibility as a "journalist" if you ever was one to begin with.

I'm Japanese, but I want Americans to know about this new translator. I feel like he only translates about 80% of what's said. For starters, he uses "obviously" a lot, but Shohei never says "obviously" in Japanese. I think a real professional translator should have done this. Shohei's explanation in Japanese was perfect and left no room for doubt. Shohei's explanation in Japanese clearly and concisely shows that Shohei has nothing to do with gambling and that Ippei was telling a huge lie to everyone around him at the beginning.

Doug about being an interpreter... "What a great job, how do I get that job?" Umm... you have to speak more than one language, Doug.

Athletes sportsbetting is headline news, but the media never talks about how politicians and bankers play markets they control.

He is fully cooperative with the authorities, he has nothing to hide.

That's a really broad assumption by you. If what he's saying is true, that will be a lot of egg on your face. Right now, we really don't know what the truth is.

Huge betrayal and such a tragedy. I feel for him. I could not even open an account if I lived in Japan and had to open a bank account and deal with all bank activities in other languages. I could not even check account information in Japanese. People who tried to blame him, could not imagine how hard it could be to live in another country. I understand he had to leave all to Ippei or other Shohei team members.

A lot of people and corporate entities get paid if he is innocent. The reciprocal of that collective number would result if he is guilty. I'm a contrarian.

Probably should have held off on this until his presser. You just sounded spiteful.

I have a hard time believing that if Ohtani had a gambling addiction and needed a way to pay off the debt that he’d have selected a different repayment method than wiring money to a bookie directly out of his account, the most direct association smoking gun evidence possible for someone attempting to hide their activity. The fall guy plan would make more sense if he had wired the money to the alleged fall guy to then pay the debts. None of the stories they’ve provided make sense but stolen funds or repaying debts and not trusting him with the money makes more sense than having a fall guy after directly wiring a bookie money.

You should have waited to speak on this after his press conference.

The original story was from Ippei not Shohei, Ippei has a history of gambling and also a known liar. In 2018 Ippei claims that he graduated from the University of California-Riverside in 2007, and also claimed he workedcl as an interpreter for the Red Sox in 2012.

So when his many accountants went over his tax returns they never mentioned that he had $500,000 payments going out ?!

You are wrong. Ippei talk about the gambling AFTER the game.

Doug you and Rob are the only two journalist asking real questions about the fall guy theory. it's like everyone else are on the MLB payroll list.

Yeah, Doug, can you understand and speak a foreign language? How much do you make for doing what anybody with a pulse could do -- yak, yak in your native language and spout opinions anyone could come up with. Such disrespect for genuine skill.

your onlychannel speaking truth.

You sound like a jealous ex

I can imagine that it's difficult for the Americans who do not know Ohtani's history and upbringing in Japan, including how he was even at the Angels to believe fully what Ohtani explained is believable and truth. But as a Japanese who have followed him in Japan and as he moved to MLB, I can attest that what he said is 100% believable. Ohtani since he was a young boy was very focused with specific goals set and worked diligently on the path to achieving them. His parents and especially his mother was instrumental in providing the support he needed so that he can focus 100% on his tasks (the baseball). This is why if you are a baseball fan in Japan, and this is a very well known story in Japan, everyone knows that Ohtani's mother took 100% control of his money (income and expenses) and the set up was simple for Ohtani in that she gave him monthly allowance of very little money. Ohtani used team dormitory and team meals 100% to focus on baseball. This is how he lived in Japan as a NPB player era. Ohtani is known to be frugal and does not spend money like normal pro athletes do. He is not interested in fashion, clothing, shoes, cars, basically not interested in tangible material stuff. Again, this is very well known in Japan about him. Ippei Mizuhara was smart in that he put himself in the position with Ohtani to take care of all of his personal duties out side of baseball so that Ohtani can just focus on baseball as he did in Japan. The identical set up that he had with his mother. Ippei was a perfect man for it and Ohtani trusted him 100%. So in this context, it is very plausible and most likely the case that Ippei had this role (similar to the role Ohtani's mother had in Japan) for Ohtani since he became MLB player. Ippei is not just a translator for Ohtani. Ippei was essentially Ohtani's personal caretaker, personal assistant, consultant, butler, driver, shopper who took care of all Ohtani's needs to live in USA. He therefore had access to Ohtani's bank accounts and was probably helping him on setting up the payables, bills for his expenses etc etc. Don't forget, Ohtani has no experience managing his own money in the past, he is also oblivious to all the living expenses especially in the USA. Ippei was the perfect friend and paid worker for him to do these tasks. In this set up, Ippei can easily transfer Ohtani's money, even 4.5 million without Ohtani knowing (again, Ohtani has been very naive, trusting and indifferent about money matters, except that he knows that he has been getting 50 to 75 million per year on endorsement and baseball contracts even in the past years, so 4.5 million may not be so significant in this light and could not be noticeable if he was trusting Ippei to manage). Agent is there to deal with the baseball contracts and he is not Japanese so he would not have known his personal contents. This is why Ippei is said to have been paid upwards of $400,000 per year to work for Ohtani, where as a regular personal translator working 9 to 5 is paid $150,000ish for a pro-athlete. So you guys take a rest on speculating and jumping to conclusion about Ohtani in this situation. Eventually the investigation will shed a better light on what I am talking about.

This commentator is irresponsible for twisting the fact. Should be fired Just listening to the press conference today, the timeline is as follows. It is pretty straightforward what he said. He only find out about Ippei after the first game in the clubhouse when Ippei told the whole team about his gamble addiction. Then Ippei told Shohei that he wants to talk to Shohei privately in their room. It was revealed then that Ippei lied to Shohei’s representatives and other members prior to ESPN interview when Ippei told them that Shohei agreed to pay off his debt. This is when Shohei told his representatives and the Dodgers. His representatives and his legal team made the decision to go after Ippei for stealing his money. So the commentators remark about Shohei and Ippei fooling around as buddies in the dugout during the first game is understandable since this was before Ippei addressed the team in the clubhouse at which point Shohei found out about the whole thing. I would have to believe in Shohei and his representatives since timing of this is consistent. Otherwise, why would Shohei and his wife even go to the game in Seoul with Ippei and his wife. Speaking of Shohei’s wife, she is not a basketball star in Japan. No one ever heard about his wife before. She just so happened to play basketball in college but never a top player. She played a tournament in college where she represented Team Japan but never was considered a star. She was tall by Japanese standard which is why she made the team. As for Ippei, this is a person who lied about his resume about graduating UC Riverside and being an interpreter for Redsox. And why would someone believe that $4.5 million was actually wired from Shohei’s account. The only amount that was supposedly associated with FBI’s investigation on Browser (?) was $500,000 was wired in Sep and Oct in the amount of $500,000. The amount $4.5 million came out from the media when they took Ippei’s word about making the wire 9 times (9x $500,000). But Ippei never mentioned they were all from Shohei. Ippei even mentioned that he asked his friends to help him pay off the debt. At this point, this commentator making accusations based on incorrect information and fact is irresponsible. We need to let the authorities do their job.

"Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive...."

This dude goes “let me get the timeline of events correct” and proceeds to says a bunch of things wrong to fit his narrative. “If he was still with the angels, he would be in a huge investigation” Actual clown

Doug you lost me.. imagine not being able to admit you are dead WRONG. That is what losers do. Unfortunately for you the truth did not set you free

I go back to... NO BOOKIE IS TAKING A $4.5 MILLION, LINE OF CREDIT FROM AN INTERPRETER.

Doug said it perfectly. If shohei was still in Anaheim this would be a huge issue with huge ramifications.

This did not age well, did it? I am sure an apology is coming.

If Ippei stole from Ohtani, why the hell was Ohtani joking around with the guy just hours before claiming Ippei stole from him? I sure as hell would not be joking around with someone who supposedly stole over $4 million from me.

This is the first and last time I will listen to your podcast.

I know a guy who played basketball professionally in Europe and he would bet on the games and so would all the players 😐

Listening to Doug lately he has done a complete 180 on this. Guess his bosses got to him too. A man making $500k a year is betting over 100 million over the span of several years. Making 19,000 total bets. None of which happen to be on baseball. So he's immoral enough to steal $16 million dollars from his closest friend but ethical enough to 'not' place a single bet on a baseball game. Not even one that Ohtani was not playing in. And over several years you have zero clue that much money has left your bank account until a month ago? GTFO. A plea deal could bury the details, but if there is any investigative reporter still out there that's worth a damn, they will bring the truth to light. And then there is still the bookee.

According to what Ohtani said, ippei told him he needed money to cover a friends debt and then later found out that it was for h”ippei gambling debt after the game in Korea. That gives him the alibi for everyone questioning whether or not he knew about it. He probably knew about the money going out of his account but did not know it was to pay for a gambling debt of Ippei. If Ippei did in fact lie about what the money was for…then that is theft.

treat him just as well as Bauer.

I know dudes going down like a ton of bricks! He should have kept quiet and not had this press conference.

ESPN reporter who broke the news and interviewed Eppi initially said, she reached out to Eppi following Ohtani's legal team claimed that Ohtani had no idea and 4.5m was stolen and Eppi admitted that he was lying initally that Ohtani knew about his gambling debt. Even the Dodgers personnel told ESPN that Ohtani did not know about this issue until the closed door meeting after first game in Seoul. Then Red Sox came out saying Eppi never worked for them as he claimed to be. So this dude is simply full of lies with no credential. Anyone can easily steal someone money as most people saved passwords off the phone and computer. It is not that difficult to sneak into your pal's computer to wire transfer money if you really want to. Unless MLB investigation can come back with any evidence that Ohtani is using Eppi as a fall guy, this is most likely a 4.5m lesson learn about learn English and do not use a translator.

Ohtani has turned an easy "foreigner" prey for Ippei to utilize since Ippei has nearly turned to a complete villain.

ESPN did the most extensive reporting on this case. Fox Sports, almost zilch. What are these guys talking about?

I think if OHTANI is a gambler .....i dont think u cant hide that fact because people are all around u.....will know and spill the beans.....so far havent heard anything bad and no gambling habits ......even the guys illegal bookies lawyer said he never met OHTANI or had communications

horrible, how was this so clunky and not rehearsed between him and the new interpreter, he kept having to clarify statements and WHAT PR TEAM WANTED THIS?? Say I never bet and i am focused on baseball, the end. WTF

You are my guy Doug. Best sports personality on Earf!

Doug right on this one...

The high school basketball team his wife used to play has long been famous as prestigious basketball team every year even when I was playing nearly half a century ago (omg). Period. She was tall so probably didn't shoot like a frog like female short players do.

Why am I not surprised?

Ippe is the fall guy, Ohtani fanboys (Including MLB and baseball media) just don't want to admit their golden boy is a scumbag.

His career is over

Ohtani and his interpreter buddy both were gambling they were good friends and were in it together IMO.

Bro is a Giants fan😂

This guy sounds like my ex wife, making things up and accusing without fact.

Get your timeline right!! When was the video taken and when was the meeting?! But then again, guy said he knows nothing so can’t blame him 🫨

Who would believe the word of a gambler who tried to be a professional poker player when he was young and who falsified his background to become an interpreter? Be careful because you will be cheated like shouhei🤣

Shohei even knows how to speak Spanish.

How Fox allow a guy with such level of IQ has his own broadcast

I don't believe Ohtani either. He's a phony. He speaks fluent English. What does he need an interpreter for? What bookie takes this much in bets from a guy who can't cover it? Why did the story changed from Ohtani paying off his interpreters debt, to the Interpreter stealing his money? How does an interpreter have access to Ohtanis money? GTFOH with this bullshit. They sat Bauer down on an allegation. Ohtani gets to continue playing?

There’s no chance a person close to a multi millionaire could figure out a way to finagle millions out of said person. Enjoy that Angels ⚾️ Dougers.

Fox gonna have another lawsuit comin with this clown

lol and he was just vindicated of the gambling accusations. guess whos the one sleeping soundly with 700mil guarantee for the next 20 years lol

Didn't bet on games, but was trying to influence games. He knew about his friend gambling. Everything was always going to be denied at all cost.

ohtaani picks up trash bc he believes in karma . he's serious about karma. i doubt he has gambling addiction

Ippei became a Liar in 2024 .. Why wasn’t he stealing or lying up until now? They were best friends till sh** hit the FAN.. NOW HE’s an EVIL GENIUS

there are tons of factions outraged over dodger nation's off season spending, have quickly tried and convicted ohtani. much like all them trials with trump, depends on who's ox gets gored

I mean he was the fall guy. Scapegoat was necessary

One of the best and most respected players in American sports is betting on games and cheating….but its a conspiracy theory to say these leagues are rigged

Mlb players know nothing about taking money or steroids

Ohtani will be shown to be dishonest. fall has already begun.

Ngl I enjoy stories like this cuz we’re able to distinguish weasels like this guy from the herd😂

The media is really stretching to find this guy guilty

Who's this doug guy? Basically has all his facts wrong. Must be a sweat job to just bs

Of course he was gambling on baseball..only his fanatics won’t believe it.

Usually don’t agree with Gottlieb but he’s on the money, this story just sounds like a terrible coverup to save face.

As long as he's not gambling on baseball, who cares?

What kind of rambling rant is that?

Wow this guy is a joke of a commentator.

As a translator, I used to cut a check for 500K every month from my foreign client's account in acquiring real estate properties in U.S.A. What happened to Shohei, ....I'm not surprised. The question is, was he blindsided by his trusted translator?

There's something super common among MAGA cultists and Ohtani deniers. ↓ Thumb up if you;re a Trump supporter AND a Ohtani denier.

Typical Fox L

It is believable that Ippei had access to his bank account because Ohtani trusted him enough to handle it. His mom controlled his bank account when he was in Japan, so why is it hard to believe that the person he trusted the most in the States gave him control of his bank account to deal with it so he could focus on baseball? His story checks out to me.

No one cares Doug, idk how you became tin foil

Going to jail? Lmao, this guy is jealous of Ohtani.

You're a thief doug gottlieb. You would know 😂😂😂

Comments here are entertaining. Are these all employees of the Dodgers? The whole thing is shady. Fact #1 is that Ohtani lives a very secretive life so nobody actually knows what his character is including his teammates on the Angels. Fact #2 is that he has already lied about his wife being "just an ordinary woman". She is a celebrity in her own right in Japan already. She is not a cashier at a doughnut shop. Fact #3 if you are accused of stealing $4.5 million dollars from anyone or any entity then you are getting arrested. Haven't seen any news reports about Ippei's arrest. Sorry baseball fans, this whole thing stinks.

A lot of salty, cry baby dodgers fans here. You don't get line of CREDIT for 4.5 million on a 350k salary per year. You don't take the word of the interpreter that he can borrow cash if he loses. Ohtani is guilty. Deal with it. Does not make him a bad guy, he just broke the rules. Don't worry thou, money wins in the end. Nothing will happen to him. Maybe a token suspension of 3 months.