As a total outsider, my hunch is that Ohtani has done nothing wrong. Problem is, this will sort of cast a shadow on him for a while. Maybe he will focus even harder on playing ball!
3 minutes in and you already have fucked up the facts. you said 1) ippei gave a 90 speech to the dodgers clubhouse, which he did not do. he gave a 90 interview with ESPN and spoke to the dodgers clubhouse briefly. but maybe you just misspoke there. and 2) you called will ireton, former INTERPRETER for kenta maeda, “just some dude in the dodgers front office.” incredible. really, truly, incredible stuff. and BBD what was your sly comment about “he doesn’t care about other sports, marries a basketball player, but doesn’t care about other sports.” what are you implying? what even is your point about that?
Sure is rich to hear about the addictive mess gambling can be from the “draft king” himself. Jomboy (and admittedly the whole sports media landscape) dipping into pockets of gambling, complete with its too good to be true no sweat bets(it’s always good news when the first hit is free right guys????)
I work in the finance industry. It is VERY possible that Ippei had a power of attorney and was able to move any money necessary and likely didn't even bat an eye. Sounds like that may be the case. Potential scenario.
Yeah also I don’t think anyone’s saying that he paid millions at one time. But 100k here and there can add up and someone with money like that may not notice.
Not to mention the complexity of ohtanis finances. He earns many millions monthly.. he probably doesnt manage his finances and im sure there is money transferred in and out, account to account, quite frequently.
Yeah, same. Dealt with Power of Attorney's all the time. A lot of people and companies have them, but you gotta make sure you 100% trust the person that will sign for you.
The “new” translator used to be Maeda’s interpreter for the Dodgers. After he left, the interpreter, Will, moved to the front office. He’s ohtani’s new interpreter for now
I like him and hope he becomes Shohei's permanant interpreter, and I believe Ohtani100% and he deferred to get less money and donates millions to charity, why would he do that if he was losing money on gambling.
you guys are all forgetting that Mizuhara was his interpreter for everything so if a bank were to call him the interpreter is the one that does all the communication. He can easily mislead all the other English speaking Americans while leaving Ohtani in the dark. Also what is so messed about this situation is that the absolute best case scenario here for Ohtani is his best friend (former) stole from him and tried to implicate him in a federal crime. The fact that Mizuhara is MIA not in the US, while Ohtani is fully cooperating with the federal investigation and the authorities should speak volumes. Ohtani is a victim of a crime and even after fully disclosing his situation today some people continue their smear campaign to Ohtani. You have to be a mean-spirited asshole to be able to do that.
Fluency in Japanese doesn't equal ability to tell someone is lying. He clicked his tongue a LOT, as well as often pursing his lips, and even making many exaggerated movements and "grooming" himself, all of which are associated with someone who is hiding something. No Japanese knowledge needed to recognize these things.
@@akiyajapanhe might be self soothing because he’s publicly acknowledging a close personal friend was using and stealing from him, that’s why reading into body language doesn’t work very well
@@akiyajapan I am not talking only about body language or ‘tells’. That’s really not my area of expertise. I am talking more about the contents of his explanation. It makes more sense in Japanese, and is can be a bit confusing in English translation. No disrespect to Will Ireton, who is essentially bilingual, but simultaneous translation of a 12 minute monologue is very difficult and he clearly had not been given enough time to prepare.
None of us know what the story is yet, it's all speculation. One thing most people ignore is that what an American may do/have done in that situation can be very different from what a Japanese person would do. Culture does matter in these situations.
Honestly to me it’s not surprising that Ippei wouldn’t want to disclose the gambling debt to Ohtani. That would be a huge source of shame for him, and I don’t think many Japanese people would want to let their closest people know about it. There are many students and salarymen over in Japan who commit suicide every year over being overworked, and their parents/colleagues/significant others had no idea how bad their issues actually were.
We're still thinking about it like a relatable struggle. It's possible that very little of the money he took was for gambling. Remember that the accounting specifics come from a fabricated story. Then he's just stolen $5 million (or that figure is itself a prideful exaggeration). If for some reason he gets away with this or keeps any of this money and the details about it being a singular struggle are a PR play so that he can go on being a free outstanding but much wealthier man on the other end of this, then I don't know. It's manipulative to reduce it to a sickness, especially if it's completely a lie. (No judgment here. I have zero hate for the guy.)
Lost in translation. Interpreter: "'I have never went thru a bookmaker to bet on sports.'' Shohei: ''I've never asked anybody to send money to the bookmaker from my bank account.''
A worthy distinction but perhaps innocuous? Shohei is probably referring to the fact that his name is on docs directly associated with the bookkeeper. He wants to be clear that he did not partake in any of it and did not ask to be involved, but the interpreter just took it as a broad statement and put some black and white PR spin on it.
Also Ippei didnt take 4.5m he was in debt for that amount. They clearly said that only 2 transactions of 500k each (1m) had Sho’s name on them just something alot of people aren’t catching everyone thinks he took 4.5m that just what he owed he only took 1m from Sho still alot but just clearing that up
Ohtani’s new interpreter, Will Ireton, isn’t a random guy. He was Kenta Maeda’s interpreter when he was a Dodger and switched jobs within the organization when he left.
This just shows you that these guys don't even know the facts, and they are making assumptions based on them. And no, the interpreter did not tell the team he has a gambling problem, AND Ohtani paid his debt. He only said that he was addicted to gambling, and the players were thinking, "so what?" Get your facts right. This is embarrassing.
@user-ll9qk2el4d if you think an addiction is not a problem... I question your judgement. Jake said 90 min speech and BBD clairfed with interview, give the guys a break 😂Jake sucks
There’s video of Will “The Thrill” Ireton, Kenta Maeda’s old Dodgers translator the translator for Ohtani’s statement today, deadlifting 400lbs in a wrestling suit on Instagram. For us weird Dodger fans that follow EVERYTHING to do with the team, he’s kind of an old friend from one of those fan favorite Dodger squads.
put the truth and all the conspiracies aside, this really sucks. Taking all the attention away from baseball and this will be brought up in 15 years when Sho is inducted into the HOF. Just kinda sad that this might be his legacy now
This is the answer. Power of Attorney(POA) or check writing privileges 。 Ohtani is completely innocent. DANIEL KIM said. When I worked as an interpreter, I had to assist the players on just about every aspect of their daily lives. These include: opening bank accounts, taking them to DMV to get licenses, and setting up utilities. I also carried their check books on the road for clubhouse dues.
Unless Ippei was a signer on Shohei account that has authorization to make wire transfers, Shohei is lying. Not only did he know he paid the debts for his friend. It would have been better for them to stick to the original story. At least Shohei could explain it. Nothing he said yesterday makes any sense.
Jake said he finds it hard to believe Ohtani wouldn't know Ippei has a gambling addiction. Really?? People hide things all the time from others. Also $500k missing from Ohtani's account would be like $50 missing from the avg person's account.
half the replies to jomboys ‘third person’ tweet were about how ippei has so many more roles other than just translator, yet we’re still “speculating” about their relationship
I set up myself to access and transact from my elderly parents' various accounts very easily because my step father has Alzheimer's and my mom doesn't know technology or finances. It's not hard at all. You need the account name and numbers, social security numbers, birth dates, and perhaps some recent statements or passwords. Super easy.
People should understand the extend of work the "translator" does for the player. Based on the comments from past translators, they help open bank accounts, make credit cards, do taxes, find homes, purchase cars, drive players family and friends to the airport, attend hospital visit even for the players family, reserve restaurants, etc. So, I am not at all surprised if Ippei had access to Shohei's account. As one former player said, you get so many endorsements constantly coming in than you can spend, you just can't follow everything and don't notice millions missing.
The thing is it wasn’t even $4.5 million at once, this would have been $500k payments over several months. Ohtani would not have seen it disappear in this manner. If it was $4.5 million at once, Ohtani would have probably seen it.
@@ykyang5786 The bank would have seen it first and called up whoever is managing the account (likely Ippei) to make sure the transaction is legit ("Oh, you have check signing authority? Carry on then."). I'm told half a million is the maximum they can wire a month per bank policy.
Same story happens over and over. Superstar gets swindled by close friends and advisors. Kareem, Duncan got taken for 100 million. Ohtani got off easy.,
In regard to the bookie extending that much credit. Ippei could’ve easily lied and told him he’s placing bets on Ohtani’s behalf, and after seeing one transfer with Ohtani’s name he bought it.
Think since you don’t have the same $$$ as Shohei it’s harder to understand how easy it is for something like this to happen. If ippei really was like a brother what’s there to stop his inner circle believing that these transfers were made with Shohei’s approval. He could have easily lied about it like he has basically with everything in his life. He has representatives for a reason to handle this stuff for him and with his endorsements and training and news and everything going around, I can see how easily someone who had that close connection to him could manipulate the situation.
You're getting paid 6 figures to manage a millionaires finances You see an irregular transaction, a wire transfer. You know nothing about it, but its your job to monitor it You're not at minimum sending a text or email to Ohtani just saying, noticed this one transfer. Is this you? What's the purpose, tax deduction? Charity? Investment? Not buying the story Ippie stole 4.5 million over YEARS
I think Put yourself in his shoes: You’re best friend become a multi millionaire, star athlete. You have a gambling problem/addiction. You start to think your best friend will bail you out if you need it, but maybe ashamed to ask. You hit rock bottom and definitely need a bail out. Your best bud has your back and helps you out of an impossible situation.
Then your best friend finds out he cant help you, he'll be in federal trouble for conspiracy, has 700 million riding on it, asks you to take the fall and spend a decade in prison for fraud and he'll take care of you once you're out
The media circus is in full swing. Hope this calms down things a little bit. The speculation has been completely stupid, yet predictable. Let the investigation play out and judge punishment, if any, when it's complete. For now, let's get back to baseball.
I honestly think Ohtani was just trying to help Ippie until a lawyer who had to vet whatever federal investigation was ongoing. Let hom know...hey you paying his debts os conspiracy, and might lead to you getting in trouble with the law and MLB The way Japanese culture is, Ippie has to take the wrap, face the music for more than what he'd originally be in hot water for because he caused the issue The feds might sniff that out, and make an example of Ohtani just because the feds don't like being lied to
BBD keeps bringing up the "im willing to take any punishment that cones" ans saying thats not really soemthinf you do. Wich is true you would probably never hear that out of someone born and raised in the states but the morality and honor type aspect of this is treated alot differently in Japan and whole could still be suspect dosnt quite jump out as much to me.
I could understand someone having power of attorney and access to his accounts but why would your interpreter be the one who has access? Why would he need to have the ability to transfer $500k at a time. Wouldn’t this be something your financial people have access to?
So Shohei had no idea about the gambling problem or millions being laundered out of his account and was surrounded by half a dozen professionals/organizations who also had no idea, but an interpreter was able to get away with it for a few years. Got it, sounds legit. Actually, sounds like a very L.A. (Dodgers) thing.
Federal investigation is ongoing, Ohtani says he's cooperation. Ippie might have agreed to take a fraud charge to avoid any repercussions to Ohtani Ippie apparently told the "truth" to ESPN. With handlers approving the interview. Once the story was vetted to his handlers, The representatives did a 180 and claimed Ohtani is victim of a massive theft Which requires you to believe... A. Ippie has signing authority and power of attorney over Ohtani fortune B. Financial institutions allowed millions of dollars to transfer without KYC limitations being in place, when the average person can't move more than 10k without jumping through hoops to facilitate the transfers
His legal team has turned the matter over to the authorities and they’re cooperating with the IRS and MLB investigations. The facts have to be discovered before formal charges can be filed, at which time I would expect them to do so.
The _victim_ of a crime does not press charges, the _prosecutor_ does. And in order to press charges (AKA indict), the prosecutor needs evidence and probable cause, and there is a whole process which most of us are not privy to.
Either Ohtani was betrayed by interpreter, banker, accountant and lawyer while 9 illegal wire transfers went from his bank account to bookie, OR, Ohtani is lying.
Exactly! Thank you.. as an Executive Accountant (Controller) there is absolutely no way NO-ONE NOTICED OR KNEW ABOUT very large $500k bank transfers. There are more involved and guilty, too many eyes and paper trail to NOT KNOW! Impossible actually, too many watching the one above and or below them when it comes to this much money, endorsements, charities, accounts and expenses must have paper to back up any/all large transfer or expense (especially over $10k), not to mention every bank institution must report any and all $10k large transfers and/or cash transactions which raises RED FLAGS to the IRS, financial advisors, brokers, investors and CPA/accountant, for which a face to face meeting is or should have been imminent - without proper documentation an investigation and audit is implemented by all outside auditors - should have been taken out of the interpreters hands immediately and power of attorney revoked by attorneys until investigation was completed and no wrong doing was end result! Anyone wonder why no criminal charges have not yet been filed? $4.5 million is not chump change, the bookie is singing to save his own and again this is not a one person operation, allow audits & investigations from all angles bring us the facts before speculation.. there is way more to this story and scandal and it will ALL COME OUT, Numbers & paper trails don't lie! Additionally the IRS is to blame as well, $4.5 million doesn't happen over night (9 $500k bank transfers - NEON RED FLAGS should have been waived their direction by multiple platforms) as well, so be patient, learn, listen and watch! 👀 On another major point, NO BOOKIE (legal or not) will allow a $4.5 million debt by a guy who only makes $300k a year without some bones breaking, a shovel or reputable multi-million $ backer! Keep that in mind first and foremost! Sit back, relax, buckle up and watch the fireworks, pay close attention tho, distractions & more to DEFINATELY be thrown in to confuse & shock us all. It's one big wait n see! This could actually end up being the next JACKIE DINORSCIO or OJ Simpson trial, going to be the next Biggest criminal trial in American History with a long list of charges and multiple defendants. In the meantime it's sad, being portrayed at this magnitude is one of the worst betrayals known to mankind, most damaging forms of emotional, mental & psychological fuckeries! Dodgers should get Ohtani into counseling ASAP, because this is and will take a toll on him emotionally, mentally and physically! This is surely to affect his game, if Dodgers are smart, they should PROTECT their investment starting now by thinking ahead!
Crazy story and it'll be interesting to see how it plays out, but I think we can all agree that if this was some less-well-known player on a team not named the Dodgers then he'd probably be suspended, pending AT LEAST an investigation by baseball and possibly the US Government. But MLB has spent the last 3ish years building the sport around him and making him the Face of Baseball and they HAVE to protect him. And I'm not saying that with any animus toward Ohtani, his story seems at least a little plausible, and I'm a big "Innocent until proven guilty" guy... But there is some clear bias and favoritism being played here by MLB. No way this happens to other players that AREN'T Superstars on one of MLB's favorite teams (Yankees or Dodgers) without them at LEAST putting the player on "paid leave" or something. If this was some mid-level guy on the Reds he's 100% not playing until an investigation is wrapped up.
I 100% believe Ohtani. Him saying he's getting the proper authorities involved is what does it for me plus he seemed crystal clear in his story. I've dealt with Power of Attorney's for some time and a lot of highly successful people have them. You just have to make sure you're knowing who you're signing that over to. Also, people hide addictions all the time. I did myself. People only show you what they want you to see.
For those of you who don’t know anything about Ohtani, he’s been donating a lot (millions of dollars) for earthquake victims in Japan, donated for 100 Japanese kids’ study abroad program in the US, donated millions to send baseball gloves throughout elementary schools. All he does is sleep 12 hours or more, train for baseball, he doesn’t go out to drink with buddies (this is a known story from WBC teammates) etc. people trying to say that he’s a gambler is such a loser and don’t know why you want him to be guilty so badly
Jake, I’m a big big Dodger fan and I like your honesty and thoughts on the dodgers, even when I see Jim and others not seeing eye to eye with your opinions
if you havent seen all the videos of how dedicated to baseball shohei is this is kind of something that looked like it could happen to him, someone abusing the fact they're literally like family to him, ohtani is extremely obsessed with baseball.
They might as well had a lawyer read the statement...the lack of "authenticity" made it a bit tough to watch. Of course he is going to blame Ippei, of course he didn't know "anything" etc...
25:24 I agree with Pitching Ninja but let's not pretend we don't remember Ryan Braun. That wasn't a legal situation, but he denied and accused and eventually walked it back. It happens.
Wow you guys really are awful the moment the story isn't something goofy and dumb. Please keep it simple and funny. There's nothing to say about the issue coming from ignorance and hypocrisy, sponsored by draftkings
I think BBD kinda nailed it. There's a very large chance we never learn the truth. On that point, I genuinely feel Ohtani comes out of this crystal clear. "He lied" covers literally everything. There's a way to block every claim with that one excuse, and I don't think we'll ever learn the truth of the matter. Maybe Shohei is the most victimed victim ever. I doubt I'll be given the evidence to believe or not believe that.
Is there a way to get a proper bank person or legal expert on the show ? Weird we haven’t seen one discuss the topic on RUclips or anything. I would love a experts opinion on one of those two parts of this whole thing
Having worked in finance, there's KYC regulations that limit any type of transactions to 10k without the financial institutions asking alot of questions I find it hard to believe Ohtani would have zero knowledge of these multiple 6 figure transactions totalling 4.5 million.
The fact that Ippei has lied about his credentials and works history says a lot about who he is. He’s a pathological liar and wormed his way into Shohei’s life. Shohei’s career and decisions are indicative of his innocence. Ippei became more than just a translator to Shohei but more of an assistant/translator. Someone that would have access to his accounts to manage his day to day life. Shohei gave him the keys to his safe and Ippei took advantage.
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.
One part that I haven't seen brought up yet is who were the winnings paid too ? They didn't lose every bet right so who was any winnings provided too? If this guy has been doing this for a while so plenty of wins and losses.
Or Ippei is the fall guy. I can't believe how many people are taking Ohtanis statement as pure gospel. There's still a lot of questions left unanswered
I can imagine that it's difficult for some 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.
If the feds knew in January about the money transfers to a bookie under investigation, wouldn't they have approached Ohtani to ask him some questions? it seems strange that Ohtani wouldn't have known about any of this>
PitchingNinja's take does make me feel better about Shohei's role. And there are plenty of people who have been unknowingly swindled by people in their lives - family, friends and employees. I would've still liked Shohei to address Ippei's access to the money. On the 'line of credit' thing...if Ippei had access, all he needed to do was pay one debt from that account, and I think that would be enough to convince Bowyer that whatever Ippei was telling him was the truth. I think a lot of people should also consider that this $4.5 million in gambling debt may just be the tip of the iceberg on this 'massive theft.' Gambling might just be one aspect if Ippei was just a run-of-the-mill con artist. Disclosing that would also probably help Shohei's cause.
Can’t buy that Ippei would steal. But I also don’t think Shohei was gambling. I think Shohei and Ippei both fkd up and didn’t realize the type of gambling that Ippei was involved in was illegal and that Shohei was trying to bail out his friend. But, regardless of why the payment was made, the act of the payment itself was illegal so throwing Ippei under the bus is a concerted effort by both of them to allow Shohei to continue playing.
If I’m Ohtani’s accountant and I see a bunch of huge gambling related wires on his account, I don’t ask any questions. I assume Ohtani knows what he was doing and I don’t say anything else because I don’t want to appear like I’m about to snitch. Also, the line of credit with the bookie makes 100% sense. As a bookie you want the action. You want to make sure you don’t get in legal trouble, sure, but if Ohtani’s interpreter comes to you and says “hey me and a particular ball player want to place big bets,” you won’t ask many more questions esp when the checks say S. Ohtani. But then when the feds investigate and press requires a statement, you absolutely have to say Ohtani had nothing to do with it. Because if it comes out that you allowed Ippei to rack up this much $ using Shohei’s involvement as collateral without doing more verification, Ohtani’s camp can sue you for everything. And lastly, the conflicting quotes are likely explained by everything going through Ippei until after the fateful hotel meeting with Shohei.
What some people arent getting is that if your making that much money and in a whole new country, your translator is probably/in most cases in charge or has hella overview over your financials and his personal shit. Plus if he has, which makes sense so Ohtani doesnt have to worry about it, power of attorney and is able to make money decisions without him. I get theres speculation over whats the truth but also dont let bias get in the way of common sense
Who gives a translator any significant amount of power over their money. Yes, they spent a lot of time together, but it just doesn't make sense. We act like Ippie is the only Japanese speaker in California.
@@ianjohnston1545 Because it makes sense? Hey im going to a whole new country to play my sport, O well duh Ive known Ippie since 2013 and hes done work in the MLB let me ask him. O no shit Ippie probably also knows a thing or two about managing money and helping me make bank accounts/pay for shit. Then Shoheis probably also using common sense and thinks o well now ive known this guy for a long ass time, hasnt shown me any reason to not believe him let me give him power over my accounts and give him power to make money moves on my behalf because im Bath Ruth and I have a million things to think about, along as millions of dollars to pay anyone to to any small chore of my life for me. I get a lot of yall dont think but ffs take a second off of the reddit theories and think.
I translate a lot for my stepdad how’s main language is Spanish. And even though he speaks english and can read it. The really is he still struggling a lot when it comes to very dense material(legal/super dense information, every emotional situation and super fast talkers) it’s best for him to have someone there to help him and make sure he is understanding correctly. It’s a joke to people how understanding the language because it’s they think it’s excessive to have him(translator)everywhere. But for someone how does business/work in another country with another language that they do not fully understand. He probably was his lifeline and was his best friend.
Jake's whole argument of them knowing eachother and being around each other for so long and Ohtani not knowing Ippei's gambling, is the equivalent of a husband not knowing his wife was cheating. It's a ridiculous take on his part.
It's like trusting your best friend, your wife wholeheartedly for years, just for her to go cheat on you and come back home like nothing happened. And oh yeah, she's been using your money on her new guy.
Dane Cooks brother stole millions of dollars from him and he had no clue, it is 100% possible to happen. If you are busy and making money on that level, it is very unlikely you are paying as close to your finances as you should.
So did he pay off his friends debt, which would also be a violation of league rules? Why was that the initial story? Is he really going to get away with not answering questions?
Ohtani lives of his endorsements alone. Imagine if he doesn’t touch his contract money and it just gets deposited. The money could be rerouted without much notice.
Dude didn't need a lot of money to get a big line of credit. He may have been hoping he could use that connection to compromise odds on Ohtani. Doesn't mean Ohtani knew anything though.
There is precedent of other players getting caught betting illegally. Ken Rosenthal says it would likely just be a fine if he’s guilty. Ken played it off like it wasn’t a huge deal
As a total outsider, my hunch is that Ohtani has done nothing wrong.
Problem is, this will sort of cast a shadow on him for a while. Maybe he will focus even harder on playing ball!
3 minutes in and you already have fucked up the facts. you said 1) ippei gave a 90 speech to the dodgers clubhouse, which he did not do. he gave a 90 interview with ESPN and spoke to the dodgers clubhouse briefly. but maybe you just misspoke there. and 2) you called will ireton, former INTERPRETER for kenta maeda, “just some dude in the dodgers front office.” incredible. really, truly, incredible stuff.
and BBD what was your sly comment about “he doesn’t care about other sports, marries a basketball player, but doesn’t care about other sports.” what are you implying? what even is your point about that?
Cope
That Shoei is lying...and everyone could see it.
Sure is rich to hear about the addictive mess gambling can be from the “draft king” himself. Jomboy (and admittedly the whole sports media landscape) dipping into pockets of gambling, complete with its too good to be true no sweat bets(it’s always good news when the first hit is free right guys????)
I work in the finance industry. It is VERY possible that Ippei had a power of attorney and was able to move any money necessary and likely didn't even bat an eye. Sounds like that may be the case. Potential scenario.
Yeah also I don’t think anyone’s saying that he paid millions at one time. But 100k here and there can add up and someone with money like that may not notice.
I don't think so..
Not to mention the complexity of ohtanis finances. He earns many millions monthly.. he probably doesnt manage his finances and im sure there is money transferred in and out, account to account, quite frequently.
Yeah, same. Dealt with Power of Attorney's all the time. A lot of people and companies have them, but you gotta make sure you 100% trust the person that will sign for you.
There are so many people who'd have to look the other way for this to be the case
The “new” translator used to be Maeda’s interpreter for the Dodgers. After he left, the interpreter, Will, moved to the front office. He’s ohtani’s new interpreter for now
I like him and hope he becomes Shohei's permanant interpreter, and I believe Ohtani100% and he deferred to get less money and donates millions to charity, why would he do that if he was losing money on gambling.
@@trevorcarey3997, agree
@@trevorcarey3997I don’t think he did anything, but dudes making more money on endorsements than his contract even if it wasn’t deferred. 😅
Will could never have dreamed of what would happen next...
you guys are all forgetting that Mizuhara was his interpreter for everything so if a bank were to call him the interpreter is the one that does all the communication. He can easily mislead all the other English speaking Americans while leaving Ohtani in the dark. Also what is so messed about this situation is that the absolute best case scenario here for Ohtani is his best friend (former) stole from him and tried to implicate him in a federal crime. The fact that Mizuhara is MIA not in the US, while Ohtani is fully cooperating with the federal investigation and the authorities should speak volumes. Ohtani is a victim of a crime and even after fully disclosing his situation today some people continue their smear campaign to Ohtani. You have to be a mean-spirited asshole to be able to do that.
Well that’s not even slightly plausible. So.
I am fluent in Japanese and Ohtani comes off very well. If he’s lying, he’s even better at lying than he is at baseball.
Glad you speak Ohtani
Fluency in Japanese doesn't equal ability to tell someone is lying. He clicked his tongue a LOT, as well as often pursing his lips, and even making many exaggerated movements and "grooming" himself, all of which are associated with someone who is hiding something. No Japanese knowledge needed to recognize these things.
@@akiyajapanhe might be self soothing because he’s publicly acknowledging a close personal friend was using and stealing from him, that’s why reading into body language doesn’t work very well
I agree. This is the only thing that make sense in this whole thing. He doesn't appear to be lying.
@@akiyajapan I am not talking only about body language or ‘tells’. That’s really not my area of expertise. I am talking more about the contents of his explanation. It makes more sense in Japanese, and is can be a bit confusing in English translation. No disrespect to Will Ireton, who is essentially bilingual, but simultaneous translation of a 12 minute monologue is very difficult and he clearly had not been given enough time to prepare.
None of us know what the story is yet, it's all speculation.
One thing most people ignore is that what an American may do/have done in that situation can be very different from what a Japanese person would do.
Culture does matter in these situations.
Honestly to me it’s not surprising that Ippei wouldn’t want to disclose the gambling debt to Ohtani. That would be a huge source of shame for him, and I don’t think many Japanese people would want to let their closest people know about it.
There are many students and salarymen over in Japan who commit suicide every year over being overworked, and their parents/colleagues/significant others had no idea how bad their issues actually were.
We're still thinking about it like a relatable struggle. It's possible that very little of the money he took was for gambling. Remember that the accounting specifics come from a fabricated story. Then he's just stolen $5 million (or that figure is itself a prideful exaggeration). If for some reason he gets away with this or keeps any of this money and the details about it being a singular struggle are a PR play so that he can go on being a free outstanding but much wealthier man on the other end of this, then I don't know. It's manipulative to reduce it to a sickness, especially if it's completely a lie. (No judgment here. I have zero hate for the guy.)
Lost in translation. Interpreter: "'I have never went thru a bookmaker to bet on sports.'' Shohei: ''I've never asked anybody to send money to the bookmaker from my bank account.''
A worthy distinction but perhaps innocuous? Shohei is probably referring to the fact that his name is on docs directly associated with the bookkeeper. He wants to be clear that he did not partake in any of it and did not ask to be involved, but the interpreter just took it as a broad statement and put some black and white PR spin on it.
Also Ippei didnt take 4.5m he was in debt for that amount. They clearly said that only 2 transactions of 500k each (1m) had Sho’s name on them just something alot of people aren’t catching everyone thinks he took 4.5m that just what he owed he only took 1m from Sho still alot but just clearing that up
Serious discussion about gambling in baseball... Brought to you by Draftkings!
Ohtani’s new interpreter, Will Ireton, isn’t a random guy. He was Kenta Maeda’s interpreter when he was a Dodger and switched jobs within the organization when he left.
Thank you I knew Ive seen him do work with the dodgers
He seems like a good guy but he’s missing some important words Shohei said. He needs to practice more for these serious conferences
@@kaoru3211985 👀
Go apply for the job @@kaoru3211985
It wasn’t a 90 minute speech. It was a 90 minute sit down interview with ESPN.
lmao 30 seconds in and they already have the story mixed up. it's part of their charm
yeah its 12mins from sitting down with new interpreter to statement conclusion
This just shows you that these guys don't even know the facts, and they are making assumptions based on them. And no, the interpreter did not tell the team he has a gambling problem, AND Ohtani paid his debt. He only said that he was addicted to gambling, and the players were thinking, "so what?" Get your facts right. This is embarrassing.
@user-ll9qk2el4d if you think an addiction is not a problem... I question your judgement. Jake said 90 min speech and BBD clairfed with interview, give the guys a break 😂Jake sucks
They are the kings of speaking without the correct information to a huge audience
As a baseball fan. I'm putting my pitch fork & torch away for Ohtani. Let's Play BALL!!!
Ohtani's new translator was Kenta Maedas former translator
There’s video of Will “The Thrill” Ireton, Kenta Maeda’s old Dodgers translator the translator for Ohtani’s statement today, deadlifting 400lbs in a wrestling suit on Instagram. For us weird Dodger fans that follow EVERYTHING to do with the team, he’s kind of an old friend from one of those fan favorite Dodger squads.
put the truth and all the conspiracies aside, this really sucks. Taking all the attention away from baseball and this will be brought up in 15 years when Sho is inducted into the HOF. Just kinda sad that this might be his legacy now
Especially one of the faces if not THE face of MLB.
Jake, the translator currently was working in the Dodgers front office, but was Kenta Madea's translator when he was a Dodger
Jake n bbd staying on top of the biggest news . Love to see it, albeit for unfortunate reasons
He wrote down notes, so he won't forget what he wanted to say, "therefore he must be lying." What kind of B.S. is this?
This is the answer. Power of Attorney(POA) or check writing privileges 。 Ohtani is completely innocent.
DANIEL KIM said. When I worked as an interpreter, I had to assist the players on just about every aspect of their daily lives. These include: opening bank accounts, taking them to DMV to get licenses, and setting up utilities. I also carried their check books on the road for clubhouse dues.
Quit talking, guy. You are just speculating and making yourself look foolish.
Unless Ippei was a signer on Shohei account that has authorization to make wire transfers, Shohei is lying. Not only did he know he paid the debts for his friend. It would have been better for them to stick to the original story. At least Shohei could explain it. Nothing he said yesterday makes any sense.
If Ippei stole the money why hasn't he been arrested? Also if this was know in January how can Shohei say he didn't know?
Jake said he finds it hard to believe Ohtani wouldn't know Ippei has a gambling addiction. Really?? People hide things all the time from others.
Also $500k missing from Ohtani's account would be like $50 missing from the avg person's account.
I’m surprised Ippei dropped this bombshell on the eve of March Madness. Wouldn’t you wanna go out gambling on 30+ college bball games?
trust me he probably had a few wires ready…the bookie got raided and they found ohtanis name on receipts
half the replies to jomboys ‘third person’ tweet were about how ippei has so many more roles other than just translator, yet we’re still “speculating” about their relationship
I set up myself to access and transact from my elderly parents' various accounts very easily because my step father has Alzheimer's and my mom doesn't know technology or finances. It's not hard at all. You need the account name and numbers, social security numbers, birth dates, and perhaps some recent statements or passwords. Super easy.
Gotta wonder where the Angels are on this? They get no attention from fall out and didnt have to pay him either! Nice 👍
How many shows do you guys need to talk about the same shit?
People should understand the extend of work the "translator" does for the player. Based on the comments from past translators, they help open bank accounts, make credit cards, do taxes, find homes, purchase cars, drive players family and friends to the airport, attend hospital visit even for the players family, reserve restaurants, etc.
So, I am not at all surprised if Ippei had access to Shohei's account. As one former player said, you get so many endorsements constantly coming in than you can spend, you just can't follow everything and don't notice millions missing.
Huge point
The thing is it wasn’t even $4.5 million at once, this would have been $500k payments over several months. Ohtani would not have seen it disappear in this manner. If it was $4.5 million at once, Ohtani would have probably seen it.
exactly
@@ykyang5786 The bank would have seen it first and called up whoever is managing the account (likely Ippei) to make sure the transaction is legit ("Oh, you have check signing authority? Carry on then."). I'm told half a million is the maximum they can wire a month per bank policy.
Same story happens over and over. Superstar gets swindled by close friends and advisors. Kareem, Duncan got taken for 100 million. Ohtani got off easy.,
In regard to the bookie extending that much credit. Ippei could’ve easily lied and told him he’s placing bets on Ohtani’s behalf, and after seeing one transfer with Ohtani’s name he bought it.
Think since you don’t have the same $$$ as Shohei it’s harder to understand how easy it is for something like this to happen. If ippei really was like a brother what’s there to stop his inner circle believing that these transfers were made with Shohei’s approval. He could have easily lied about it like he has basically with everything in his life. He has representatives for a reason to handle this stuff for him and with his endorsements and training and news and everything going around, I can see how easily someone who had that close connection to him could manipulate the situation.
You're getting paid 6 figures to manage a millionaires finances
You see an irregular transaction, a wire transfer. You know nothing about it, but its your job to monitor it
You're not at minimum sending a text or email to Ohtani just saying, noticed this one transfer. Is this you? What's the purpose, tax deduction? Charity? Investment?
Not buying the story Ippie stole 4.5 million over YEARS
If the glove dont fit
You must acquit
I think Put yourself in his shoes: You’re best friend become a multi millionaire, star athlete. You have a gambling problem/addiction. You start to think your best friend will bail you out if you need it, but maybe ashamed to ask. You hit rock bottom and definitely need a bail out. Your best bud has your back and helps you out of an impossible situation.
Then your best friend finds out he cant help you, he'll be in federal trouble for conspiracy, has 700 million riding on it, asks you to take the fall and spend a decade in prison for fraud and he'll take care of you once you're out
The media circus is in full swing. Hope this calms down things a little bit. The speculation has been completely stupid, yet predictable. Let the investigation play out and judge punishment, if any, when it's complete. For now, let's get back to baseball.
It was a very straightforward statement by Shohei. He just told the truth. Nothing more or less.
Truth???
Yes straightforward. But there’s no way of knowing the truth until we get more info
You dont know if its the truth lol
I honestly think Ohtani was just trying to help Ippie until a lawyer who had to vet whatever federal investigation was ongoing. Let hom know...hey you paying his debts os conspiracy, and might lead to you getting in trouble with the law and MLB
The way Japanese culture is, Ippie has to take the wrap, face the music for more than what he'd originally be in hot water for because he caused the issue
The feds might sniff that out, and make an example of Ohtani just because the feds don't like being lied to
We don't know if it's the truth, Shohei statement was pretty predictable. Of course he was going to say he was an innocent victim
BBD keeps bringing up the "im willing to take any punishment that cones" ans saying thats not really soemthinf you do. Wich is true you would probably never hear that out of someone born and raised in the states but the morality and honor type aspect of this is treated alot differently in Japan and whole could still be suspect dosnt quite jump out as much to me.
I could understand someone having power of attorney and access to his accounts but why would your interpreter be the one who has access? Why would he need to have the ability to transfer $500k at a time. Wouldn’t this be something your financial people have access to?
He wasn't just an interpreter he was the guy that was basically Ohtani's manager since he became an adult even before moving to the US.
Bro Ohtani Money is not like in our bank account😅 even 1Dollars we will notice it.
I believe Ohtani him 100% and he deferred to get less money and donates millions to charity, why would he do that if he was losing money on gambling.
Respect Will
He needs banned
So Shohei had no idea about the gambling problem or millions being laundered out of his account and was surrounded by half a dozen professionals/organizations who also had no idea, but an interpreter was able to get away with it for a few years. Got it, sounds legit. Actually, sounds like a very L.A. (Dodgers) thing.
It is true that Ippei lied about his background. It's deadly
everyone should just leave shohei alone hes as good of a human as it gets and he loves baseball more than anyone
Has Ohtani pressed charges against his translator since he is claiming he stole 4.5 million from him, if he has not that is very telling
Federal investigation is ongoing, Ohtani says he's cooperation.
Ippie might have agreed to take a fraud charge to avoid any repercussions to Ohtani
Ippie apparently told the "truth" to ESPN. With handlers approving the interview. Once the story was vetted to his handlers, The representatives did a 180 and claimed Ohtani is victim of a massive theft
Which requires you to believe...
A. Ippie has signing authority and power of attorney over Ohtani fortune
B. Financial institutions allowed millions of dollars to transfer without KYC limitations being in place, when the average person can't move more than 10k without jumping through hoops to facilitate the transfers
His legal team has turned the matter over to the authorities and they’re cooperating with the IRS and MLB investigations. The facts have to be discovered before formal charges can be filed, at which time I would expect them to do so.
The _victim_ of a crime does not press charges, the _prosecutor_ does. And in order to press charges (AKA indict), the prosecutor needs evidence and probable cause, and there is a whole process which most of us are not privy to.
Either Ohtani was betrayed by interpreter, banker, accountant and lawyer while 9 illegal wire transfers went from his bank account to bookie, OR, Ohtani is lying.
Exactly! Thank you..
as an Executive Accountant (Controller) there is absolutely no way NO-ONE NOTICED OR KNEW ABOUT very large $500k bank transfers. There are more involved and guilty, too many eyes and paper trail to NOT KNOW! Impossible actually, too many watching the one above and or below them when it comes to this much money, endorsements, charities, accounts and expenses must have paper to back up any/all large transfer or expense (especially over $10k), not to mention every bank institution must report any and all $10k large transfers and/or cash transactions which raises RED FLAGS to the IRS, financial advisors, brokers, investors and CPA/accountant, for which a face to face meeting is or should have been imminent - without proper documentation an investigation and audit is implemented by all outside auditors - should have been taken out of the interpreters hands immediately and power of attorney revoked by attorneys until investigation was completed and no wrong doing was end result! Anyone wonder why no criminal charges have not yet been filed? $4.5 million is not chump change, the bookie is singing to save his own and again this is not a one person operation, allow audits & investigations from all angles bring us the facts before speculation.. there is way more to this story and scandal and it will ALL COME OUT, Numbers & paper trails don't lie! Additionally the IRS is to blame as well, $4.5 million doesn't happen over night (9 $500k bank transfers - NEON RED FLAGS should have been waived their direction by multiple platforms) as well, so be patient, learn, listen and watch! 👀
On another major point, NO BOOKIE (legal or not) will allow a $4.5 million debt by a guy who only makes $300k a year without some bones breaking, a shovel or reputable multi-million $ backer! Keep that in mind first and foremost! Sit back, relax, buckle up and watch the fireworks, pay close attention tho, distractions & more to DEFINATELY be thrown in to confuse & shock us all.
It's one big wait n see!
This could actually end up being the next JACKIE DINORSCIO or OJ Simpson trial, going to be the next Biggest criminal trial in American History with a long list of charges and multiple defendants. In the meantime it's sad, being portrayed at this magnitude is one of the worst betrayals known to mankind, most damaging forms of emotional, mental & psychological fuckeries! Dodgers should get Ohtani into counseling ASAP, because this is and will take a toll on him emotionally, mentally and physically! This is surely to affect his game, if Dodgers are smart, they should PROTECT their investment starting now by thinking ahead!
Crazy story and it'll be interesting to see how it plays out, but I think we can all agree that if this was some less-well-known player on a team not named the Dodgers then he'd probably be suspended, pending AT LEAST an investigation by baseball and possibly the US Government.
But MLB has spent the last 3ish years building the sport around him and making him the Face of Baseball and they HAVE to protect him. And I'm not saying that with any animus toward Ohtani, his story seems at least a little plausible, and I'm a big "Innocent until proven guilty" guy... But there is some clear bias and favoritism being played here by MLB. No way this happens to other players that AREN'T Superstars on one of MLB's favorite teams (Yankees or Dodgers) without them at LEAST putting the player on "paid leave" or something.
If this was some mid-level guy on the Reds he's 100% not playing until an investigation is wrapped up.
I 100% believe Ohtani. Him saying he's getting the proper authorities involved is what does it for me plus he seemed crystal clear in his story. I've dealt with Power of Attorney's for some time and a lot of highly successful people have them. You just have to make sure you're knowing who you're signing that over to. Also, people hide addictions all the time. I did myself. People only show you what they want you to see.
100%? Seems a bit foolish
For those of you who don’t know anything about Ohtani, he’s been donating a lot (millions of dollars) for earthquake victims in Japan, donated for 100 Japanese kids’ study abroad program in the US, donated millions to send baseball gloves throughout elementary schools. All he does is sleep 12 hours or more, train for baseball, he doesn’t go out to drink with buddies (this is a known story from WBC teammates) etc. people trying to say that he’s a gambler is such a loser and don’t know why you want him to be guilty so badly
Jake, I’m a big big Dodger fan and I like your honesty and thoughts on the dodgers, even when I see Jim and others not seeing eye to eye with your opinions
自分で知ろうとも調べようともせず依存症の言葉を鵜呑みにして憶測だけで話す。RUclipsrの鏡やな。
if you havent seen all the videos of how dedicated to baseball shohei is this is kind of something that looked like it could happen to him, someone abusing the fact they're literally like family to him, ohtani is extremely obsessed with baseball.
They might as well had a lawyer read the statement...the lack of "authenticity" made it a bit tough to watch. Of course he is going to blame Ippei, of course he didn't know "anything" etc...
25:24 I agree with Pitching Ninja but let's not pretend we don't remember Ryan Braun. That wasn't a legal situation, but he denied and accused and eventually walked it back. It happens.
Wow you guys really are awful the moment the story isn't something goofy and dumb. Please keep it simple and funny. There's nothing to say about the issue coming from ignorance and hypocrisy, sponsored by draftkings
I think BBD kinda nailed it. There's a very large chance we never learn the truth.
On that point, I genuinely feel Ohtani comes out of this crystal clear. "He lied" covers literally everything. There's a way to block every claim with that one excuse, and I don't think we'll ever learn the truth of the matter. Maybe Shohei is the most victimed victim ever. I doubt I'll be given the evidence to believe or not believe that.
The absolute worst part of all this is i had to see pete rose speaking on it
Is there a way to get a proper bank person or legal expert on the show ? Weird we haven’t seen one discuss the topic on RUclips or anything.
I would love a experts opinion on one of those two parts of this whole thing
Having worked in finance, there's KYC regulations that limit any type of transactions to 10k without the financial institutions asking alot of questions
I find it hard to believe Ohtani would have zero knowledge of these multiple 6 figure transactions totalling 4.5 million.
@@shaneturner1809 maybe his interpreter answered it?
The fact that Ippei has lied about his credentials and works history says a lot about who he is. He’s a pathological liar and wormed his way into Shohei’s life. Shohei’s career and decisions are indicative of his innocence. Ippei became more than just a translator to Shohei but more of an assistant/translator. Someone that would have access to his accounts to manage his day to day life. Shohei gave him the keys to his safe and Ippei took advantage.
I'm amazed that when his accountants went over his tax returns for the years that this cash went out they never mentioned it to him !
Probably was, but it got lost in translation.
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.
One part that I haven't seen brought up yet is who were the winnings paid too ? They didn't lose every bet right so who was any winnings provided too? If this guy has been doing this for a while so plenty of wins and losses.
Shohei's story from today creates a very plausible narrative with Ippei as the sole bad actor.
Ippe's own wife didnt even know he was gambling! She unfollowed her own husband! Come on!
Or Ippei is the fall guy. I can't believe how many people are taking Ohtanis statement as pure gospel. There's still a lot of questions left unanswered
Isnt the only way shoheis story is even close to possible is that ippei and Shohei were thick as thieves
I can imagine that it's difficult for some 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.
None of this makes sense. There has to be more to the story. Still, he appears to be honest to me.
That guy was an interpreter. I don't know him, but I saw Ohtani speaking Japanese to him contemporaneously, and the guy translated it on the spot.
If the feds knew in January about the money transfers to a bookie under investigation, wouldn't they have approached Ohtani to ask him some questions? it seems strange that Ohtani wouldn't have known about any of this>
They would have contacted Ippei first.
Logic will dictate this story
Ippe is either the worst or the best friend ever so I guess there’s that
October Choking Dodgers 😂😂
Conspiracy jake 🕵♂️
How’s this guy on this show w out that jumbo guy??
What is up Bakers!
Innocent till proven guilty
PitchingNinja's take does make me feel better about Shohei's role. And there are plenty of people who have been unknowingly swindled by people in their lives - family, friends and employees. I would've still liked Shohei to address Ippei's access to the money. On the 'line of credit' thing...if Ippei had access, all he needed to do was pay one debt from that account, and I think that would be enough to convince Bowyer that whatever Ippei was telling him was the truth. I think a lot of people should also consider that this $4.5 million in gambling debt may just be the tip of the iceberg on this 'massive theft.' Gambling might just be one aspect if Ippei was just a run-of-the-mill con artist. Disclosing that would also probably help Shohei's cause.
Can’t buy that Ippei would steal. But I also don’t think Shohei was gambling. I think Shohei and Ippei both fkd up and didn’t realize the type of gambling that Ippei was involved in was illegal and that Shohei was trying to bail out his friend. But, regardless of why the payment was made, the act of the payment itself was illegal so throwing Ippei under the bus is a concerted effort by both of them to allow Shohei to continue playing.
He used his account to pay off his debt. I be mad as FUCK IF MY FRIEND USE MY account to pay off his debt
BBD with the most casual "I Think you Should Leave" reference ever. Well done!
If I’m Ohtani’s accountant and I see a bunch of huge gambling related wires on his account, I don’t ask any questions. I assume Ohtani knows what he was doing and I don’t say anything else because I don’t want to appear like I’m about to snitch. Also, the line of credit with the bookie makes 100% sense. As a bookie you want the action. You want to make sure you don’t get in legal trouble, sure, but if Ohtani’s interpreter comes to you and says “hey me and a particular ball player want to place big bets,” you won’t ask many more questions esp when the checks say S. Ohtani. But then when the feds investigate and press requires a statement, you absolutely have to say Ohtani had nothing to do with it. Because if it comes out that you allowed Ippei to rack up this much $ using Shohei’s involvement as collateral without doing more verification, Ohtani’s camp can sue you for everything. And lastly, the conflicting quotes are likely explained by everything going through Ippei until after the fateful hotel meeting with Shohei.
What some people arent getting is that if your making that much money and in a whole new country, your translator is probably/in most cases in charge or has hella overview over your financials and his personal shit. Plus if he has, which makes sense so Ohtani doesnt have to worry about it, power of attorney and is able to make money decisions without him.
I get theres speculation over whats the truth but also dont let bias get in the way of common sense
Who gives a translator any significant amount of power over their money. Yes, they spent a lot of time together, but it just doesn't make sense. We act like Ippie is the only Japanese speaker in California.
@@ianjohnston1545They know each other since 2013 btw
@@imgigashyy So? He has probably known his lawyers, accountants, and family just as long. Why choose a translator?
@@ianjohnston1545 Because it makes sense? Hey im going to a whole new country to play my sport, O well duh Ive known Ippie since 2013 and hes done work in the MLB let me ask him. O no shit Ippie probably also knows a thing or two about managing money and helping me make bank accounts/pay for shit. Then Shoheis probably also using common sense and thinks o well now ive known this guy for a long ass time, hasnt shown me any reason to not believe him let me give him power over my accounts and give him power to make money moves on my behalf because im Bath Ruth and I have a million things to think about, along as millions of dollars to pay anyone to to any small chore of my life for me. I get a lot of yall dont think but ffs take a second off of the reddit theories and think.
He should have kept his mouth shut
I think its you
I translate a lot for my stepdad how’s main language is Spanish. And even though he speaks english and can read it. The really is he still struggling a lot when it comes to very dense material(legal/super dense information, every emotional situation and super fast talkers) it’s best for him to have someone there to help him and make sure he is understanding correctly. It’s a joke to people how understanding the language because it’s they think it’s excessive to have him(translator)everywhere. But for someone how does business/work in another country with another language that they do not fully understand. He probably was his lifeline and was his best friend.
Jake's whole argument of them knowing eachother and being around each other for so long and Ohtani not knowing Ippei's gambling, is the equivalent of a husband not knowing his wife was cheating. It's a ridiculous take on his part.
While I do feel like shohei isn’t as oblivious to this as it’s made it out to be. That’s a good point u make.
You literally just said something that almost all husband don’t know… like your wife bozo 😂
@@Petrov987What? That doesn't even make any sense.
@@doubledown8229 my bad didn’t read the Jake part. The bozo for that theory is Jake.
@@Petrov987the bozo is you. Your wife too
Today I woke w/ Jake 😏
It's like trusting your best friend, your wife wholeheartedly for years, just for her to go cheat on you and come back home like nothing happened. And oh yeah, she's been using your money on her new guy.
No disrespect to how much English he may know…But what if his old translator was lying to him about certain notices coming from the bank
Many people have the memory of a goldfish. Regardless of the findings, I feel like a homerun reel of 2024 Ohtani will make them forget this.
The acusations don't have to be true Mr Friedman...only agreed upon. 😉
Dane Cooks brother stole millions of dollars from him and he had no clue, it is 100% possible to happen. If you are busy and making money on that level, it is very unlikely you are paying as close to your finances as you should.
So did he pay off his friends debt, which would also be a violation of league rules? Why was that the initial story? Is he really going to get away with not answering questions?
Ohtani lives of his endorsements alone. Imagine if he doesn’t touch his contract money and it just gets deposited. The money could be rerouted without much notice.
Dude didn't need a lot of money to get a big line of credit. He may have been hoping he could use that connection to compromise odds on Ohtani. Doesn't mean Ohtani knew anything though.
I’m still skeptical on all of this. I think he’s telling the truth about everything but paying the debts off to the bookie
He gave all the money he earned to his parents and was living off of an allowance after becoming a pro.
The kid just does not care about money.
Remember Cris Carter's advice about having a fall guy? They took it.
There is precedent of other players getting caught betting illegally. Ken Rosenthal says it would likely just be a fine if he’s guilty. Ken played it off like it wasn’t a huge deal